The President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, has bestowed the prestigious Medal of Gratitude to Hebrew University of Jerusalem Chair of Armenian Studies Emeritus Professor Michael Edward Stone.

The esteemed award recognizes his significant contributions to Armenian studies and his dedication to preserving Armenian culture and heritage. The Medal of Gratitude is one of Armenia’s highest state honors, awarded for exemplary achievements in state, economic, social, scientific-technical, and public activities. It is also bestowed upon individuals who have made major personal contributions and demonstrated many years of devotion to promoting the spheres of health, education, and culture.

“It is extremely gratifying to have this amazing recognition of my contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the brilliant cultural and spiritual heritage of the Armenian people,” says Prof. Stone. “It has been an enormous privilege to be exposed to the rich and beautiful art and literature, music and architecture of a small but so highly creative people, with whom we Jews have so much in common. I have had much joy from my ongoing engagement with the Armenians and Armenia, which Hebrew University has encouraged since its beginnings in 1966.”

A member of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Prof. Stone has authored and edited over 78 books, including numerous translations of Armenian sources. His extensive research also delves into Armenian-Jewish relations and the historical presence of Armenians in the Land of Israel, solidifying his reputation as a preeminent scholar in Armenian studies. As a co-founder and honorary president of the International Association for Armenian Studies (AIEA), Prof. Stone has left an indelible mark on the academic community and continues to inspire future generations of scholars.

The award ceremony took place at the President’s residence, where President Khachaturyan presented the medals to several distinguished scholars in the field of Armenology, including Prof. Valentina Calzolari Bouvier of the University of Geneva and Prof. Cristina Marantzi of Harvard University, alongside Prof. Stone.

In his address, President Khachaturyan expressed profound gratitude to the awardees for their invaluable contributions to Armenian studies, particularly during a time when the preservation of Armenian historical cultural heritage is of paramount importance. President Khachaturyan further emphasized the critical role that scholars like Prof. Stone play in representing Armenian history and culture on an international stage, ensuring that the world understands and appreciates Armenia’s rich heritage.

The Hebrew University continues to offer Armenian and Armenian cultural studies through its Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. This program provides students with the opportunity to explore the rich history, culture, and language of Armenia, fostering a deeper understanding of the Armenian experience in both historical and contemporary contexts.