Khrimian Hayrig*
(Mgrdich Khrimian)
1820-1907
Khrimian Hayrig's life and work are characterized by three attributes: love of God, love of his people, and love of the land. He devoted his entire life to the betterment of the Armenian people, especially the peasantry in the interior provinces of Eastern Turkey. A peaceful man of the cloth, yet he encouraged his people to defend themselves against the plunder, the murders, and all the criminal acts committed by the Kurdish tribes against the unarmed peasants. Well aware, that the Turkish government encouraged the Kurds, Khrimian knew that only the Armenians themselves could stop the aggressors: "Until when are you going to be butchered like sheep by the savage and ignorant Kurds? You are men! You have a pair of hands! Do you think you can have freedom without blood? Freedom will not be given to you as a gift."
Born in Van, in 1820, Mgrdich Khrimian served his people in many capacities: teacher, writer, poet, priest, Prelate, Patriarch of Istanbul, Catholicos of all Armenians. However, the title that has endured was the one given to him by the people of Moush: Hayrig!*
When Mgrdich Khrimian became the Prelate of Daron, the Turkish government started exacting illegal taxes (in that, only the Armenian subjects were taxed.) The local authorities ignored Khrimian's pleas to stop this practice. The Prelate wrote to the Patriarchate in Istanbul, and filed complaints with the governor of Erzrum, to no avail. Finally, in the middle of winter, he traveled to Garin, convinced a few dignitaries to join him, and to present his case to the governor. He succeeded in getting an order to repeal the illegal taxes. When he returned to Moush, huge crowds of Armenians came to greet him. These were the people who would bestow the title 'Hayrig'* upon him, to show their deep love for this loving, fatherly Prelate. Khrimian accepted that title with great joy, and used it all his life.
In 1903, while Khrimian was Catholicos, the Tzarist government of Russia confiscated all the church properties. Khrimian dismissed all the clergy and religious councils, so he alone would be responsible, and refused to hand over the keys. Although the government did confiscate the churches and the properties by force, shortly after, it returned them to the Armenians.
Khrimian's writings, sermons, and actions paint the picture of a man who toiled endlessly to improve the lot of his people, to strengthen the families, and to educate not only the males but the females as well. This was a revolutionary concept at that time. He tried to bring enlightenment to his flock, and in so doing, enlightened all the generations to come.
Toward the end of his life, he told Avedik Issahakian, a famous Armenian writer: 'Hayrig isn't feeling well; he won't last long... I will be in the company of princes, kings, heroes, Khorenatzi, Narekatzi, Victor Hugo..."
Khrimian Hayrig died on October 27, 1907. He may be in the company of great men, but, for the Armenian people, he is first and foremost their beloved 'Hayrig'.
*Father (as a term of endearment)
His Writings
1850 Hravirag Araratian - (Invitation to Ararat) : poems written in classicalArmenian. Khrimian addresses the Armenians, who have settled inforeign lands, and invites them to come back, and visit their ancestral homes. Its major themes are the love of the country and of the nation.
1851 Hravirag Yergreen Avediatz -(Invitation to the Land of Good Tidings):The author sings the praises of Jerusalem.
1855 Ardzvig Vasbouraganee - (Eaglet of Vasbouragan): periodical and later on a newspaper published in Vasbouragan.
1863 Ardzvig Darono - (Eaglet of Daron): periodical published in Daron. He also has two publications, "Haykooj" and "Vankooj" where he laments the atrocities perpetrated upon the Armenians by the Turks.
1866 Markareed Arkayootyan Yergneetz - (The Pearls of the heavenly Kingdom): Khrimian explains the teachings of the Bible.
1876 Project of Reform and two other volumes: The Elegy of the Crossand The Time and its Mysteries.
1878 Trakhdee Endahneek - (Family of Eden): He describes the ideal familylife.
1879 Seerak and Samuel: sermons written for the youth.
1894 Babig yev Tornig - (Grandpa and Grandson): a grandfather patiently instructs his grandson about life. This book describes in great detail the lifestyle of the Armenian farmers, their customs, their work and their festivities. The grandfather explains how important it is, for each generation to remain on the land, to work it, and to be attached to it.
Email: hrayrt@musepictures.com
