For the first time in the history of Armenia, a movie about Grigor Narekatsi called The Pastor was shot and represents episodes of Narekatsi’s life, the Book of Lamentations, as well as prayers, monologues and personal spiritual contemplations. As the filmmakers said during a meeting with journalists today, the movie is not a scientific, analytic or research work. “The Pastor represents Narekatsi’s live, human character, generally the Holy Father lives in every Armenian’s heart,” said Archbishop Rafael Minasyan, the movie producer and the spiritual leader of theKatoghikeChurch.
There is little biographical information about Narekatsi, therefore, the movie plot was built based on the legends preserved among the people. As Director Artak Avdalyan said, part of the shooting was made in theWestern Armenia. Instead of ruined Narekavank, they found the caves where Narekatsi and other saints lived. The director assures that all difficulties have been overcome thanks to theProvidence. “We managed to move a rock for one of the scenes only 10 days after. In another instance, the sky was dark, but the moment we started to shoot, the clouds subsided and light was spread,” told A. Avdalyan. In the director’s words, the whole world must accept Narekatsi as a clergyman, a theologian and a saint, “He is bigger than we imagine.”
For movie’s leading actor Artur Karapetyan, playing the part of Narekatsi was a very responsible job. “We were guided only by our hearts during the whole period of shooting and we leave assessments to the audience,” said the actor.
1.5-hour long The Pastor will be available in Armenian and Italian; they intend to translate it also into English in the short-run. The movie premiere will be at the Moscow Cinema. After the premiere inArmenia, the movie will be shown inLebanon.
Louise SUKIASYAN
