Dr. Vahram Lalayan’s Book on Narekatsi Published Posthumously by Society for Armenian Studies

The Society for Armenian Studies has posthumously sponsored the publication of Dr. Vahram Lalayan’s book “Mystical Perception of the Book of Lamentations by Grigor Narekatsi in the 13th – 18th Centuries.” Dr. Lalayan was a medieval theologian and the head of the Department of History at Grigor Narekatsi University in Artsakh. He was killed by Azeri forces in Meds Tagher village in Hadrut during the 2020 war.

“Mystical Perception of the Book of Lamentations” was published in Armenian by Antares Press in Yerevan and deals with Narekatsi’s “Book of Lamentations.” “Mystical Perception,” edited by Lalayan’s colleague Dr. Amalya Grigoryan of Narekatsi University, consists of an introduction, two chapters, a conclusion, and a list of primary literary sources.

The first chapter deals with the “Medieval Commentaries of the Book of Lamentations” and discusses the research of Poghos Khachatryan’s work on the first and fourth editions of the “Book of Lamentations.” The second chapter deals with the commentaries of the “Book of Lamentations” and analyzes the mystical interpretations.

“The Society for Armenian Studies is honored to have been able to sponsor the publication of Dr. Vahram Lalayan’s book,” said SAS President Prof. Bedross Der Matossian. “It is the dream of every scholar to see the fruits of their years of hard work published. Unfortunately, Lalayan did not get that chance. As a scholar and a human being, he believed in the cardinal right to defend his land during the Artsakh War of 2020. He believed in the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to self-determination and was killed by the Azeri forces because he chose to remain in his home village. His book on Narekatsi is a testament to his character as a medieval theologian and historian and an Artsakhtsi defending his homeland. His name will remain eternal in the pages of history and for future generations.”

Lalayan’s colleague Dr. Grigoryan commented on the publication saying, “Dr. Lalayan’s contribution to the field of theology and history is of utmost importance. More than ever Grigor Narekatsi’s teachings are relevant today to all Armenians. Lalayan in his book has explored the subtext of the religious identity of Armenians through an analysis and interpretation of the ‘Book of Lamentations.’ It was Lalayan’s wish to present the final version of his book to readers. Unfortunately, he couldn’t, as he was killed in the 44-day war and his book was published after his martyrdom.” According to Grigoryan, Lalayan has made an important contribution to the field Narekatsi studies and his research will be an important source to future generations of scholars.”

The publication of Lalayan’s book is the first result of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in different aspects of academia signed earlier this year by SAS and the Narekatsi University in Artsakh. To order a copy of the book, please visit the website.