On September 28, 2026, the presentation and cancellation of the first joint postage stamp between HayPost and the Vatican Postal Service, dedicated to the 350^th anniversary of the birth of Mekhitar of Sebaste, took place in the building of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.

The date of this jubilee event, appointed by the Vatican, was a significant day: on September 28, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady, Untier of Knots.

At the invitation of the Mekhitarist Fathers, H. E. Archbishop Kevork Noradounguian, Ordinary of Armenian Catholics, also attended the ceremony. Also present were representatives of Church, state, diplomatic, scientific, and cultural spheres: Apostolic Nuncio to Armenia H. E. Archbishop Ante Jozić, Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Gojanian and Rev. Fr. Kevork Sargisyan, Mekhitarist Fathers, Rev. Fr. Asoghik Karapetyan, member of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Mr. Gevorg Mantashyan First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence of RA, Mr. Davit Karapetyan, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of RA, Ms. Shushan Aleksanyan, Chief Executive Officer of HayPost CJSC, Mr. Arayik Harutyounyan, Member of the National Assembly of RA, Mr. Hovik Musayelyan, President of the Association of Armenian Stamp Collectors, Mr. Alessandro Ferranti, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to Armenia, Mr. Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador of the European Union to Armenia, Mr. Rafael Enrique González, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Argentina to Armenia, and Ms. Nora Arissian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Syria to Armenia.

H. E. Archbishop Kevork Noradounguian delivered a congratulatory address, stating the following:

“The publication of today’s stamp on the occasion of the 350^th anniversary of the birth of this great Armenian is a very touching event. This gives us an occasion to reflect on the path traveled by Abbot Mekhitar—from Sebaste to Venice. As you know, the process of his beatification and canonization is ongoing, and I hope that one day we will say ‘Saint Abbot Mekhitar’ and the next stamp will be issued under the name ‘Saint Mekhitar.’ On this occasion, I congratulate the Mekhitarist Congregation and all of us, and I express my deep gratitude to all the organizers of this initiative.”

H. E. Archbishop Ante Jozić, Apostolic Nuncio, emphasized in his speech that the cancellation ceremony of the stamp dedicated to Mekhitar of Sebaste is one expression of the close cooperation between the Holy See and the Republic of Armenia. According to him, Abbot Mekhitar and the Mekhitarist Congregation serve as a beautiful cultural bridge between the Catholic Church and Armenia: “May this canceled stamp, bearing the dual mark of Vatican Post and HayPost, become a lasting historical document testifying to our friendly ties, academic achievements, and historical heritage.”

Following the solemn stamp cancellation ceremony, the honored guests and friends of the Mekhitarist Congregation continued the festive event in the Round Hall of the National Academy of Sciences with scientific presentations, during which Rev. Fr. Asoghik Karapetyan conveyed the blessings of the Catholicos of All Armenians to those present.

In the cultural section of the program, the ‘Geghard’ Choir, under the artistic direction of Mher Navoyan and choir master Anahit Papyan, presented sacred songs composed by Komitas Aghtsietsi, St. Nerses Shnorhali and Hakob Klayetsi.

A closing expression of gratitude was delivered by Mekhitarist Father Kevork Sargisyan, who stressed that Abbot Mekhitar—a man of light and life—continues to live and serve the children of his nation.

This event was not only a tribute to the person and spiritual legacy of Mekhitar of Sebaste, but it also helps to appreciate and understand anew the Armenian Catholic spiritual and Armenian studies heritage, one of the main pillars of which is the congregation founded by Abbot Mekhitar.

Information provided by: Rev. Fr. Kevork Sargisyan

Chancery of the Armenian Catholic Ordinariate

October 1, 2026