Vardan Vardapet in the courtyard of Surb Arakelots Monastery

This historical photograph shows Vardan Vardapet standing in the courtyard of Surb Arakelots Monastery. The old man has a white beard and wears a long dark garment and a cap, with a walking stick in his hand.

Beside him are the tombs of the great commanders of the Mamikonian family, Mushegh Mamikonian and Vahan Mamikonian. The picture shows a small stone structure with an arched entrance, 2 tall carved stone slabs standing on a large stone base, and in front a carved stone lying on the ground.

Vardan Vardapet was the last guardian of the monastery, a keeper of faith and national memory. The image reminds us that when stones fall silent, people become the guardians of memory.