Canterbury Cross-Stone (Khachkar)
Donation protected
2018 marks the centenary of the end of World War I. This project will be part of the commemoration services at Canterbury Cathedral and encompasses the creation of a Cross-Stone in order to remember those who have lost their lives, including the sacrifice of the Armenian people.
This hand carved Cross-Stone will be dedicated to the Canterbury Cathedral.
A Cross Stone is a hand sculpted stone cross, which is a traditional form of sculpting in Armenian culture. The format dates back to at least the 7th century AD and it is unique in its style and symbology.
Occuring naturally in Armenia, traditionally Cross Stones have been carved out of red limestone, locally known as "Tufa". This is the stone that will be used in this project and it will be imported from Armenia.
The Cross Stone will be hand carved using traditional tools by:
· Vartan Moskofian (Designer and Project Manager)
· John Meardon
Documentary Film
The project will be filmed throughout its progress from the stone being quarried in Armenia, transport to Canterbury, design and carving of the stone to the unveiling of the Cross-Stone. The aim of this documentary is to keep a historical record and to broadcast on national and international media.
Time Scale
It is estimated that it will take up to 12 months to complete the carving.
Funding
The estimated cost of the project is £25,000. Funding is being sought from charitable organisations and private sources.
Canterbury Cathedral and the Armenians
Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597 AD, in a time comparable to the establishment of the Armenian Church .
During World War I, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Randall Davidson, who was Archbishop from 1903 to 1928 became actively involved in helping the Armenian nation by making known the atrocities being committed against them. During this period over 1.5 million Armenians perished.
In memory of this catastrophe it is intended that the Cross Stone will be dedicated to the memory of Archbishop Randall Davidson in recognition of his humanitarian efforts to highlight and bring a stop to the suffering of the Armenian people during WW I.
2018 and the end of WWI
By aiming to complete the Khachkar in 2018 and putting it on display in an appropriate place within the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, it is hoped that its presence will contribute towards the Cathedral’s efforts to remember all the victims of war and to help the reconciliation of people and nations to peace. Visitors of every ethnicity and culture will be invited to take a moment to reflect upon the atrocities committed against humanity and the need to show forgiveness, tolerance, compassion and love.
You will be regularly updated about the progress of the project and funding.
This hand carved Cross-Stone will be dedicated to the Canterbury Cathedral.
A Cross Stone is a hand sculpted stone cross, which is a traditional form of sculpting in Armenian culture. The format dates back to at least the 7th century AD and it is unique in its style and symbology.
Occuring naturally in Armenia, traditionally Cross Stones have been carved out of red limestone, locally known as "Tufa". This is the stone that will be used in this project and it will be imported from Armenia.
The Cross Stone will be hand carved using traditional tools by:
· Vartan Moskofian (Designer and Project Manager)
· John Meardon
Documentary Film
The project will be filmed throughout its progress from the stone being quarried in Armenia, transport to Canterbury, design and carving of the stone to the unveiling of the Cross-Stone. The aim of this documentary is to keep a historical record and to broadcast on national and international media.
Time Scale
It is estimated that it will take up to 12 months to complete the carving.
Funding
The estimated cost of the project is £25,000. Funding is being sought from charitable organisations and private sources.
Canterbury Cathedral and the Armenians
Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597 AD, in a time comparable to the establishment of the Armenian Church .
During World War I, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Randall Davidson, who was Archbishop from 1903 to 1928 became actively involved in helping the Armenian nation by making known the atrocities being committed against them. During this period over 1.5 million Armenians perished.
In memory of this catastrophe it is intended that the Cross Stone will be dedicated to the memory of Archbishop Randall Davidson in recognition of his humanitarian efforts to highlight and bring a stop to the suffering of the Armenian people during WW I.
2018 and the end of WWI
By aiming to complete the Khachkar in 2018 and putting it on display in an appropriate place within the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, it is hoped that its presence will contribute towards the Cathedral’s efforts to remember all the victims of war and to help the reconciliation of people and nations to peace. Visitors of every ethnicity and culture will be invited to take a moment to reflect upon the atrocities committed against humanity and the need to show forgiveness, tolerance, compassion and love.
You will be regularly updated about the progress of the project and funding.
Organizer
John Meardon & Vartan Moskofian
Organizer
England
