Mkrtich I Khrimian

Mkrtich I Khrimian was an Armenian religious and public figure and writer, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, Prelate of Van and Catholicos of All Armenians. He played an important role in Armenian history, especially during the national liberation movement and the struggle for the rights of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. He took part in the Congress of Berlin (1878), where he sought international support to protect Armenians from persecution and violence.

Khrimian promoted Armenian culture, education and literature and supported Armenian schools and publishing. He became a symbol of the Armenian national movement. His famous “Iron Ladle” speech (1878) called on Armenians to unite and organize themselves to fight for their rights rather than rely on outside powers.

The photograph shows a grey-haired clergyman with a long beard, wearing a pointed hood, with a cross hanging from a chain on his chest.