The premiere of the documentary film ‘Lost, Found, Hidden,’ which explores the fascinating journey of the medieval Armenian Skevra Gospel, took place on March 5th at Matenadaran in Yerevan. This significant cultural event was the result of a collaborative effort between several key institutions: the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia (MESCS), Matenadaran, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Yerevan, the Armenian Cinema Foundation, and the Cultural Development Foundation.
Distinguished Guests Attend Premiere
The event was graced by the presence of several prominent figures, including Deputy Minister of MESCS Daniel Danielyan, Director of Matenadaran Ara Khzmalayn, representatives from the diplomatic corps and various ministries, and the creative team behind the film. A special guest was Professor Krzysztof Stopka from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, who also appeared in the documentary. Professor Stopka highlighted his long-standing involvement in researching the Skevra Gospel and clarifying its fate since its appearance in Poland.
A Five-Year Research Endeavor
The documentary ‘Lost, Found, Hidden’ is the culmination of five years of dedicated research by director Vahram Mkhitaryan. It meticulously unravels the astonishing path of the medieval Armenian manuscript – the Skevra Gospel – from the shores of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia to contemporary Poland. The film delves into the manuscript’s loss after World War II, its almost accidental rediscovery in the late 20th century, and its subsequent disappearance once again.
The Symbolic Journey of the Skevra Gospel
The fate of the Skevra Gospel, in many ways, mirrors the history of the Armenian community in Poland, making the manuscript’s journey deeply symbolic. The filmmakers sought out and found witnesses who played pivotal roles in the book’s discovery and preservation, and whose lives were indelibly marked by this exceptional manuscript. The late Vardan Grigoryan, a former researcher at Matenadaran, once remarked, “The Skevra Gospel is 740 years old, and no one knows when it left Skevra or when it will return.”
Armenian-Polish Cultural Cooperation
The film was produced within the framework of Armenian-Polish cultural cooperation by the ‘Mleczny Brat’ Foundation operating in Poland. It received co-financing from the Ministry of Interior and Administration of Poland, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, the MESCS of Armenia, and the Armenian Cinema Foundation. This cross-border collaboration underscores the shared cultural heritage and strong ties between the two nations.
The premiere in Yerevan not only showcased a significant historical artifact but also celebrated the enduring spirit of cultural preservation and international partnership. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate connections between history, identity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
