Entering the St. Etchmiadzin Cathedral complex, the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the faithful pass through the gate of St. Gregory the Illuminator. In the middle of the large stone archway are the bas-reliefs of King Tiridates III and St. Gregory, whose hands nearly touch at the cross. The relief signifies the conversion of Armenia from paganism to Christianity in 301 A.D., making Armenia the first state in the world to embrace Christianity. 

Artist Yervant Gojabashian, one of Armenia’s most prominent sculptors and painters, created this modern gateway to the centuries-old spiritual center. Internationally renowned, Gojabashian’s exhibits have appeared in major cities worldwide, and now, the community is invited to experience some of his works that will be on display at Fresno State.

The Armenian Studies Program presents the “Gojabashian: Blessed Hands of the Armenian Heritage” art exhibition, Monday, April 10, through Sunday, April 30, at the Leon S. Peters Ellipse Gallery, on the second floor of the Fresno State Library during library hours. An opening reception with Gojabashian will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 13, in the gallery. The reception and the exhibition are free, and the public is welcome.

A parking code for lots P30 and P31 is available by contacting the Armenian Studies Program.