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Prayer in Armenian Poetry of the 19th and 20th Centuries: A Literary and Spiritual Odyssey

Timothy Ward

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Published in PRAYER (Armenian Poetry XIX XX 2)

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An Image Of A Book Of Armenian Poetry With The Word 'Prayer' Written On The Cover PRAYER (Armenian Poetry XIX XX 2)

Prayer has occupied a central place in Armenian culture and literature for centuries. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Armenian poets continued to explore the themes of prayer, faith, and spirituality in their work, crafting moving and thought-provoking poems that grapple with the human condition and our relationship with the divine.

PRAYER (Armenian Poetry XIX-XX Book 2)

by Lorraine Blundell

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	24 pages

The Nineteenth Century: A Time of Renewal and Reform

The 19th century was a period of great change and upheaval in Armenia. The country was under foreign rule, and the Armenian people were struggling to maintain their cultural and religious identity. In this context, prayer became a source of strength and comfort for many Armenians.

One of the most prominent Armenian poets of the 19th century was Khachatur Abovian (1809-1848). Abovian was a pioneer of modern Armenian literature, and his work often reflected his deep Christian faith. In his poem "Prayer," Abovian writes:

Lord, I beseech thee, give me strength, To bear the burdens of this life, And to walk in thy ways, With love and compassion.

Abovian's prayer is a simple and heartfelt plea for guidance and strength. It reflects the faith and piety of many Armenians during a difficult time.

Another important Armenian poet of the 19th century was Mikael Nalbandian (1829-1866). Nalbandian was a revolutionary and a poet, and his work was often inspired by his love of his country and his desire for freedom. In his poem "To God," Nalbandian writes:

O God, I believe in thee, Thou art the creator of all things, Thou art the father of the poor and the oppressed, Thou art the hope of the hopeless.

Nalbandian's prayer is a passionate and hopeful plea to God for justice and liberation. It reflects the hopes and aspirations of many Armenians during a time of great struggle.

The Twentieth Century: A Time of War and Revolution

The 20th century was a tumultuous time for Armenia. The country was ravaged by war and revolution, and the Armenian people suffered greatly. In this context, prayer became a source of solace and hope for many Armenians.

One of the most famous Armenian poets of the 20th century was Yeghishe Charents (1897-1937). Charents was a brilliant and prolific poet, and his work often reflected his own personal struggles and the challenges faced by his country. In his poem "Prayer," Charents writes:

O Lord, I beseech thee, give me peace, Peace in my heart and in my mind, Peace in my country and in my world.

Charents' prayer is a simple and heartfelt plea for peace. It reflects the longing of many Armenians for an end to the violence and suffering that had plagued their country for so long.

Another important Armenian poet of the 20th century was Paruyr Sevak (1924-1971). Sevak was a deeply religious poet, and his work often explored the themes of faith, hope, and love. In his poem "Prayer," Sevak writes:

O God, I believe in thee, Thou art the creator of all things, Thou art the father of the poor and the oppressed, Thou art the hope of the hopeless.

Sevak's prayer is a powerful and moving affirmation of faith. It reflects the deep spirituality of many Armenians, even in the midst of great suffering.

Prayer has been a central theme in Armenian poetry for centuries. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Armenian poets continued to explore the themes of prayer, faith, and spirituality in their work, crafting moving and thought-provoking poems that grapple with the human condition and our relationship with the divine. These poems offer a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the Armenian people, and they continue to inspire and uplift readers today.

PRAYER (Armenian Poetry XIX-XX Book 2)

by Lorraine Blundell

4.3 out of 5