Seminary Faculty Member Presents at International Workshop

On February 21, Dr. Ani Shahinian, Assistant Professor of the Grace & Paul Shahinian Lectureship in Armenian Christian Art & Culture, spoke at an international workshop at the Center for Armenian Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor entitled “From Schism to Union and Back: Eastern Christians and Catholic Expansion in the Age of Confessionalism.” Dr. Shahinian focused on Awag Salmastec‘i’ martyrdom on February 23, 1390, (celebrating Awag’s courage 635 years later) set in the two late medieval cities, in Baghesh (Bitlis), Turkey, and Salmast (Salmas), Persia/Iran, which broach deep issues of human affairs between interreligious and interethnic communities.

Awag’s martyrdom narrative opens a window into questions of identity and the struggle of an Armenian Christian who had to weigh competing loyalties to different communities, regions, ethnicities, and religions. The story sheds light on the lives of Armenian artisans and merchants who journeyed between the Lake Van region and Northern Persia for employment opportunities and business transactions. Finally, as a theological piece, the martyrology emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one’s Christian identity and conquering the fear of man; thus rebutting the attacks that might urge a Christian to reconsider his or her association to faith, career, and community – even if that may mean one has to pay for it with one’s life.