Common Threads in Some Major Religions are Illustrated in a British Library Exhibition and Gallery Talk

Armenian Institute

SACRED: DISCOVER WHAT WE SHARE

Gallery Talk by the Rev Dr Nerses V Nersessian

Saturday, 28 July 2007 at 3:00 pm
British Library, 96 Euston Road, London N1
(Tube: King’s Cross/ St Pancras, Euston & Euston Square)

Access to the Gallery is by timed tickets. Places are limited for this guided tour. Please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Illustration: Page from the Four Gospels in Armenian (AD 1166) written by Simeon.
British Library Add. 19727, f240. Copyright ©The British Library Board.

Sacred: Discover what we share brings together Christian, Islamic and Jewish religious texts and related ritual pieces in an astonishingly beautiful exhibition. In a unique and compelling modern context the exhibition presents rare sacred texts from the Library’s collection as well as loan items from other institutions. Mixed media, including videos of ceremonies from the different traditions, expands the ways in which the exhibition demonstrates the links and commonalities between these three traditions. There are several Armenian exhibits including illuminated manuscripts, a prayer scroll and a pastoral staff from New Julfa. Of special interest is the richly illuminated personal Book of Hours (Breviary) of King Levon II of Cilician Armenia (reigned 1269-1289).

The Rev Dr Nerses V Nersessian is the Curator for the Christian Middle East Section of the British Library. After graduating from the Echmiatsin seminary, he studied at King’s College, University of London. He is the author of several monographs and numerous articles on a wide range of topics in Armenian studies with particular emphasis on Armenian Church history and theology and the art of book illumination.

The Armenian Institute is a London-based registered charity dedicated to making Armenian culture and history a living experience, through innovative programmes, educational resources, workshops, exhibits and performances. Its work is supported by friends, patrons and voluntary donations. For more information about the Armenian Institute or to find out about supporting the important work of the Institute, please visit our website at www.armenianinstitute.org.uk , contact: us at info@armenianinstitute.org or call 020 7978 9104.

For a witty, learned and dare I say jaundiced (please forgive me Father) view of this Exhibition, you could read Rant No 262 (24th May 2007) entitled, would you believe it, Sacred and Profane in Father Frank's Rants - and remember you read it here first! :-)