On Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Haigazian University hosted the official launch of volumes 45/1 and 45/2 of the Haigazian Armenological Review (HAR), marking another milestone in the university’s longstanding contribution to Armenian Studies.
In her opening remarks, editorial board member Silva Papazian welcomed the audience and invited those present to observe a moment of silence in memory of three scholars from the HAR academic family who passed away. She then introduced the content of the two volumes, emphasizing that they reflect the editorial board’s conviction that the knowledge produced by Armenian Studies—grounded in scientific rigor and critical thinking—plays a vital role in confronting the challenges facing the Armenian nation.
Editor-in-Chief Antranik Dakessian focused his address on the role of Armenian “civil society” during the 17th to 19th centuries, a period when Armenians lacked a state and possessed only a limited number of fragile institutions, while the Armenian Church itself faced competing Ottoman, Persian, and Russian influences, along with internal and denominational challenges. He noted that civil society leaders of that era were visionary figures who believed in long-term investment and mobilized themselves for the sustainability of the Armenian nation despite formidable obstacles. Dr. Dakessian concluded that, at a time when the Armenian space is weakened in organizational and institutional terms, the launching of these volumes—alongside Haigazian University’s 70-year journey and the sustained cultural efforts of the Lebanese Armenian community—stands as a testament to committed individuals whose vision, though wounded, remains powerful and rooted in a centuries-old tradition of public responsibility.
During the musical interlude Haigazian University Armenian major student Serly Nemshehirlian played the ‘Groungner (Cranes)” on dudug.
The Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Lebanon, Mr. Setrak Sarkissian, described the launch as a meaningful station along the continuous path of Armenian Studies. He remarked that the 45 volumes of HAR testify to a tradition of consistency and scientific responsibility, underscoring that Armenian Studies at Haigazian University are not circumstantial but rather the product of years of dedication and committed scholarship. He stressed that Armenian Studies are not merely an academic discipline but a holistic concept that unites language, historical memory, literature, and culture, helping Armenians understand their past, interpret present realities, and envision the future. He further highlighted that Western Armenian represents not only a linguistic fact but a comprehensive cultural reality central to diasporic Armenian identity, noting that Western and Eastern Armenian Studies are complementary parts of the same cultural body—one developed within a state framework, the other within the complex realities of the Diaspora. When in dialogue, he added, they render Armenian Studies more comprehensive, vibrant, and contemporary, a mission embodied by HAR.
In his closing remarks, Haigazian University President Paul Haidostian referred to the editorial title of HAR 45/1, Applied Armenology, noting that it brings Armenian Studies closer to disciplines that directly engage with everyday life. He encouraged young professionals to contribute research addressing pressing phenomena that threaten human and Armenian identity, including freedom of speech and conscience, power and rights, persecution of minorities, ecological challenges, human trafficking, the intersection of economy and ethics, mental and spiritual health, crises of traditional institutions, and the tensions between artificial and natural intelligence. Dr. Haidostian expressed his appreciation to the editorial board and extended thanks to all contributors to the two volumes.
Concluding the event with gratitude, Dr. Haidostian announced that, in celebration of Haigazian University’s 70th anniversary, Dr. Vicken and Mrs. Sossy Aharonian of Los Angeles have generously donated USD 105,000 to support the publication of the next 14 books of HAR between 2026 and 2032—affirming that Armenian Studies remain a very high nation-building value.
The evening concluded with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony in the courtyard of the Mehagian Building, where guests gathered to socialize and celebrate the occasion.