Gift of Armenia to Peace Palace

Cross-Stone of Haghpat

(11^th century)

A cross-stone (Khachkar in Armenian) is an outdoor, vertically erected flat stele, which, when in situ, is positioned in relation to the four cardinal points of the world; the western side has an ornamentally carved cross, accompanied by vegetative-geometric motifs, with animals (particularly birds), and sometimes with carvings of people.

After Jesus Christ, the cross, which used to cause death in ancient times, became a means to defeat the death. Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection, converted the cross into an instrument of peace, love, victory, and life.

The cross-stone both stimulates and reflects the unique development of the Armenian culture; it is one of the most characteristic symbols of the Armenian identity. With its marvelous carvings, redeeming symbolism of the cross, and the notion of eternity, which is conveyed by the stele, the cross-stone has been one of the most respected and, due to its positioning under the open air, one of the most accessible sanctities. After passing a course of more than a thousand years, the cross-stone is also a contemporary cultural phenomenon: today hundreds of cross-stones are still being created in Armenia.

The Armenian people install cross-stones both in Armenia and in those hospitable countries, where they happen to settle down due to the circumstances. Thus, the cross-stone becomes the symbol and message of love, solidarity, collaboration and peace in peoples’ lives.

Each time a new cross-stone is created and installed, the life-giving commandment of the Savior again sounds loudly for the entire mankind: “…ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34), and “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27)

The copy of the Cross-Stone is carved by sculptor Tigran Bagamyan.

Armenian khachkar inaugurated at Peace Palace in The Hague within the framework of Prime Minister Pashinyan's visit

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