Option

	Georgian encroachments towards Armenian heritage The question of ownership of some monasteries and churches of historic Gugark and Tayk is a subject of political speculation in Armenian-Georgian relations. Most of these churches are in the territory of today's modern Lori region. The Georgian Church presents claims to that heritage, regardless of what century was the church built in and how much time had it served to the Armenian Chalcedonians. Armenian specialists say that the monasteries belong to the Armenian architectural school of Gugark and Taik. At the same time, in Turkey the transfer of dozens of Armenian Chalcedon temples of Western Armenia to the Georgian Orthodox Church continues. Davit Nahatakyan, Candidate of Architecture Science, and Father Hetum Tarverdyan, abbot of the Akhtala monastery and the spiritual pastor of the region, talk about the cultural heritage of Gugark and Tayk.
	Appropriation of Taik spiritual-cultural heritage According to the claims of Georgian scientists, Taik, the 14th state of Greater Armenia, was permanently inhabited by ethnic Georgians, while the Armenians were settlers. Based on this viewpoint of Georgian studies, the Georgian side has claims not only over the religious and secular architecture but also over spiritual and cultural achievements. Many architectural buildings of Taik that are currently in the territory of the present-day Turkey, according to the recently placed signs, are Georgian, and the Georgian side is also implementing studies and restoration works there. Davit Nahatakyan, Candidate of Architecture Science, and Arkady Akopov, Candidate of Historical Sciences, talk about Armenian studies of architecture and demographic situation of Taik.
	From Shnorhali to Vospnaker: Nicknames and Honor Names of Clergy The nicknames and honor-names assigned to the clergy reveal their characters, lifestyle, merits, behavior and even civil position. The topic is discussed by the Head of the Department of Manuscript Studies and Mayr Tsutsak in Matenadaran Gevorg Ter-Vardanyan and graduate of Gevorkian Seminary Deacon Manvel Sargsyan.
	Russian Armenian Diocese is 300 Years Old In 2017 the Armenian Diocese of Russia and Nor Nakhichevan will mark the three hundred anniversary of its establishment. In early 18th century, when Armenia was cherishing the hope of getting rid of Turkish and Persian yoke, a new Diocese took its form in the area of the Russian Empire. What activities did the Armenian Diocese evolved in that area and what mission does it carry today among nearly 2 million Russian Armenians? The topic is discussed by the Director of Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Library of the Mother See Father Ararat Poghosyan and historian, Doctor of Russian Historical Sciences Stepan Stepanyants.
	Post-Golden Apricot Golden Apricot Film Festival is often accompanied with fervent discussions on films. Even after the closing of the festival are characterised by inertial fluctuations after which everyone leaves the “cross-roads of cultures and civilizations” back to their normal life. The panorama of this year’s Golden Apricot is discussed by Davit Matevosyan, the Director of “Hrant Matevosyan” Foundation and journalist Nune Hakhverdyan.
	Violence One of the measures to prevent violence is the reform of social-cultural norms, transfer of necessary communication skills through education, and from theological viewpoint - full perception and acceptance of the identity created in the image of God. How can we build a society which will decline violence? The pavilion of “Option” hosts Director of Social Concepts Office in the Mother See Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan and psychologist of the NGO “Dialogue” Armine Vahanyan.
	Vacant Higher Education Institutions The results of 2017-18 academic year saw 11 375 vacancies out of 18 000 places. The specialists of the sphere declare that there is nothing extraordinary. The forecast of the next year is even worse: there will be less applicants, and the share of GDP to be allocated to the sphere of education will be reduced by the 2018-2020 midterm expenditures program of the Government. What do the experts have to offer?
	“Protected by the State” The infringements within the territory of historical cultural monuments is not something rare. The scandalous arguments and litigations over it are never a guarantee for preservation of monuments: often the offenders are the local self-government bodies which are the subjects of protection. How is it ever possible to implement effective protection of historical cultural monuments in Armenia and exclude frauds? The topic is discussed by the Director of the Service for protection of historical environment and cultural museum-reservations” SNCO Ara Tarverdyan andthe Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of National Academy Pavel Avetisyan.
	Euthanasia: Between the Philosophy of Life and Death Legal evaluation of euthanasia is closely linked to the specifics of medical, moral ethical, philosophical and religious views. In certain countries it is criminal offense, while it is legally allowed in other countries. Euthanasia is legally prohibited in Armenia. What ethical issues does it cause globally, and does the Christian standing help overcome these issues? The topic is discussed by the Head of the Armenian Unit of UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Very Rev. Father Zakara Baghumian from the Mother See.
	Identity Disruptions as a Result of Genocide Many Armenians who survived the Genocide declined their identity in order to get rid of inferiority and integrate in new environment with more ease. According to specialists, identity disruptions such as these are considered to be one of the consequences of genocide. What behavioral consequences did identity disruptions lead to, and what can become the basis for revaluation and enhancement of Armenian identity? The topic is discussed by philosopher Silva Petrosyan and ethnographist Harutyun Marutyan
	The Clergy and Opressed Protest The revolts taking place in the collectivization years during Soviet Armenia times is practically left untouched. However, these armed conflicts took quite a long time, from 1929 through 1931. Key organizers of protests were village priests and underground dashnaks. They were joined by numerous non-partisan co-villagers and often - by communists. The pioneer of upheaval was Vayots Dzor Marz - Daralagyaz, where around 2500 people were involved in the protests. During the revolt, for nearly one year VayotsDzor had no Soviet regime in the Marz. The pavilion “Option” hosts the pastor of Yeghegnadzor region Father Vazgen Hovhannisyan and historian Stepan Stepanyants.
	Armenia and Neighbors: Armenia-Turkey Constitutional changes took place both in Armenia and Turkey: Turkey shifted to presidential administration, and Armenia – to parliamentary. What new realities might be brough about by these changes in terms of relations of two countries and what new challenges might arise? The topic is discussed by Bagrat Estukian, Armenian Language Editor of the Istanbul-based “Agos” newspaper and Anush Hovhannisyan, expert in Turkish studies and political analyst Anush Hovhannisyan.

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