HERITAGE WALK, RENOVATION OF YOUNG MEHER STATUE MARK REVIVAL IN THE HEART OF PHILADELPHIA
Photo credits – Gary Altoonian
The Armenian Heritage Walk project carries forward the legacy of the Armenian community of Philadelphia by renovating the Young Meher statue, created by famous Armenian American sculptor Khoren Der Harootian, and placed in 1976 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the bicentennial celebrations of the United States independence. The aim is to honor Armenian history and celebrate Armenian culture, reflect Armenian experience in America, and serve as a tribute to the memory of the Armenian Genocide.
The groundbreaking ceremony on the initial phase of this project, which includes constructing the initial walkway and restoring the original statue, was held on Sunday, April 27. On the occasion, Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church (Philadelphia) read the following message by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate:
Dear brothers and sisters,
We have come from different states to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, to express our common gratitude in renewing the Armenian Heritage Walk as a token of our continuing gratitude for the providential care of the Almighty Lord and the welcome enjoyed by our ancestors who emerged from the desert of death in Deir-ez-Zor, to cross the ocean and reach the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.
This Armenian Heritage Walk is, as much as a sign of our gratitude, also a tangible expression of our faithfulness and our everlasting commitment to the continued development of this blessed country. The Statue of Mher is the symbol of freedom and justice, which are the cornerstones of any democratic country, above all the United States. This legendary figure of inspiring power also symbolizes the invincible faith of the Armenian people.
The expansion of the Armenian Heritage Walk is a praiseworthy undertaking, which will enhance awareness of Armenian historical, religious, and cultural legacy within the broader society.
May the Almighty and Beneficent Lord grant success to all those who have conceived, meticulously planned, and generously supported this monumental project in its different phases to see it to its end for His glory, to bring our modest share to the forthcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, and to strengthen Armenian American unity and solidarity.
