Portrait of Mkrtich Khrimian, Hayrik

The painting shows Mkrtich Khrimian, known as Hayrik. The portrait was created by Yeghishe Tadevosian at the beginning of the 20th century. The white-bearded clergyman is seated, wearing a black hood (veghar) and a violet robe, with a cross on his chest. In the upper part of the canvas is an Armenian inscription in which the words “Mkrtich I” and “Catholicos of All Armenians” can be read.

Khrimian was born in 1820 in Van. He became Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople and then Catholicos of All Armenians, leading the people through the hardest years. His name has remained in history as a symbol of faith, national dignity and uncompromising struggle.