08/09/2026
On the Island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni, in Venice, a Divine Liturgy was held on 8 September dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the birth of Abbot Mekhitar of Sebaste, founder of the Mekhitarist Congregation.
The celebration fell on a date of deep symbolic value: it was on 8 September 1717 that Mekhitar and his brethren made their official entrance onto the island, granted by the Serenissima Republic of Venice. Since then, for over three centuries, San Lazzaro has preserved one of the deepest spiritual and cultural bonds between Europe and the Armenian people.
The Liturgy was enriched by the performances of the Saghmosergu and Geghard choirs, supported by the Karapetyan Foundation. Attending were H.E. the Prefect of Venice, Darco Pellos, and Gagik Sarucanian, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Venice.
Born in Sebaste (present-day Sivas) on 7 February 1676, Mekhitar — whose name means "consoler" — founded the Congregation in 1700. On San Lazzaro he made one of the cornerstones of the Armenian cultural revival, compiling the first Dictionary of the Armenian language, thanks to which Armenian became the sixth language in the world to have a modern dictionary.
CCIAM supported the initiative, convinced that one cannot truly understand Armenia — nor build solid and lasting relations with it — without knowing its history and culture.
«To know Armenia means first of all to know its soul. San Lazzaro is where this soul has found a home in Venice for over three hundred years. Culture is the foundation on which every authentic collaboration between two peoples rests», said Ferdinando Pelazzo, President of CCIAM.
«The sacred music of our choirs tells of a millennia-old identity. It is deeply moving to hear it resound in Venice, the city that welcomed and valued our culture», commented Gohar Ghumashyan, Armenian Businessmen Association.
«The two days in Venice united economy and spirituality. Relations between Italy and Armenia are founded on a shared history spanning centuries: a common heritage of values, culture and friendship», underlined Stefano Maggi, Secretary General of CCIAM.
The Divine Liturgy concluded the two days in Venice, following the «Discover Armenia» forum. The Armenian delegation now continues its tour towards Rome. CCIAM is also planning a business mission to Armenia for Italian companies.