Ahnidzor. A Matevossian Pilgrimage Diary — 13 September 2025.
Discovery 1
The children were surprised to learn that one of the village’s founders was Ohanes, the grandfather of Matevossian’s father Ignat and patriarch of the Matevossian family. They had not expected the writer to have laid foundations in literature just as his ancestor had done in the village.
Discovery 2
In the house, beside photographs of the brothers, they noticed a portrait of Tumanyan. They immediately asked why it was there. After hearing the story, one child smiled and concluded:
“So good writers are born in Lori.”
Discovery 3
The children also learned that Matevossian’s other brothers were talented people. They listened with interest to the story of Hracho Matevossian and decided to read his work too.
Discovery 4
While discussing “The Green Field”, the children showed that they understood the work deeply. They said that motherhood lay at its heart and that it contained no evil characters.
Discovery 5
As they entered the village, they asked:
“But where is the village?”
Discovery 6
When they learned that the village school had only twelve pupils, they thought their guide must be its only teacher.
Discovery 7
The village’s pigs and piglets: the children were astonished that these domestic animals could be so vocal.
Discovery 8
The three children from Ahnidzor who joined the pilgrimage soon made friends with the others.
The day remained one of discovery, wonder and bright smiles. We are certain that the pilgrims who visited Matevossian’s homeland will now love both their own country and the great writer even more.
“Love begins with knowing” (H. M.). Education through culture.
Photographs by our wonderful guide, Sirush Karyan.
