Archbishop Józef Teodorowicz - 25 Years as Archpastor Commemoration Medal
Identifier
ANRO-1520
Reference Description
Poland, Second Republic, 1923-1939
Obverse: JÓZEF TEODOROWICZ ARCYBISKUP OBRZ. ORM.
Bust left
Reverse: W 25 ROCZNICE BISKUPSTWA SWEMU ARCYPASTERZOWI DIECEZJANIE- 1927
Armenian Cathedral in Lvov
Specifications: 55mm, 63.37g
Artist / Engraver: W. Przedwojewski
Mint:
Edge:
Mintage:
Reference: Strzałkowski 594 (R), Chomyn 731
Image shown:
Obverse: JÓZEF TEODOROWICZ ARCYBISKUP OBRZ. ORM.
Bust left
Reverse: W 25 ROCZNICE BISKUPSTWA SWEMU ARCYPASTERZOWI DIECEZJANIE- 1927
Armenian Cathedral in Lvov
Specifications: 55mm, 63.37g
Artist / Engraver: W. Przedwojewski
Mint:
Edge:
Mintage:
Reference: Strzałkowski 594 (R), Chomyn 731
Image shown:
Notes
THE LVIV ARMENIAN CATHEDRAL DEPICTED ON A MEDAL
HENRY V. SARKISSIAN
In recent times, there has been a growing interest in the history of Armenian colonies, especially the Lvov colony. The Historical Museum of Armenia's numismatic department houses a medal that holds significance to the Lvov Armenian colony's history. This commemorative medal was minted in honor of the 25th anniversary of Archbishop Josef Teodorovich's service by the State Mint in Warsaw.
Medal Description:
The bronze medal has a diameter of 55 mm and weighs 63.32 grams.
Front Side:
It features a relief of Archbishop Joseph Teodorovich of the Lvov Armenian Rite. He is depicted wearing a cap, a symbol of clerical authority, and a decorative chain from which a panagia is presumed to hang. Surrounding his image is a Polish inscription that translates to "Joseph Teodorovich Archbishop of the Armenian Rite." The medalist's name, Wojciech Przedvoevsky, is inscribed on the sleeve.
Reverse Side:
This side showcases a relief of the 14th-century Lviv Armenian Cathedral. The depiction is accurate in terms of the cathedral's general architecture, though some intricate external details might be omitted. The cathedral's tall tower and central semicircular apse are prominently featured. Surrounding the cathedral's image are symbols of episcopal authority and an inscription marking the 25th anniversary of the bishopric in 1927.
The Lviv Armenian Episcopate, founded in 1367, adhered to the pan-Armenian church center of Etchmiadzin until the mid-17th century. From 1654, a union was imposed, leading to the Latinization of the Armenian Church, with Lvov emerging as a hub for Catholic Armenians.
The medal's portrayal of Teodorovich captures the essence of an elderly individual, with every wrinkle narrating his life's journey. His gaze is profound, reflecting determination and resolve.
The medal's reverse side is particularly intriguing. It's rare for numismatic artifacts to depict Armenian architectural marvels. The representation of the medieval architectural monument holds academic significance. The Lviv Armenian Cathedral, constructed in the 14th century, is a testament to Armenian architectural prowess. Built with Armenian influence, the cathedral stands as a testament to the artistry of Armenian builders.
The cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Mother of God, was erected in 1363 by Armenian founders Shahnshah and Pansian Ashpragamiants. It took seven years to complete and is situated in the heart of Lviv's Armenian quarter. The medal offers a view of the church from Armenian Street, a sight still visible today.
Over six centuries, the cathedral has seen multiple renovations. Notably, in the early 20th century, changes associated with I. Teodorovich were made, including the addition of carved columns with ornamental patterns. However, these modifications didn't alter the church's core essence.
The release of Josef Teodorovich's commemorative medal is rooted in Lviv's rich history of Armenian artisans and medal art. Historical records highlight the prominence of Armenian "moneters" in the 14th century, who were exclusive specialists in Lviv's mint. The Armenian community's influence was pivotal in Lviv's economic ascent, driven by their monopoly in trading eastern goods with western neighbors.
Lviv's Armenian jewelers continued to excel in subsequent centuries, particularly in producing religious and everyday medals. This practice underscores the deep cultural ties between Lviv's Armenian artisans and Western Europe, where the tradition of minting commemorative medals originated.
The Teodorovich medal, a rare numismatic artifact from the early 20th century centered on an Armenian theme outside Armenia, embodies the cultural legacy of the Lvov Armenian colony's residents.
HENRY V. SARKISSIAN
In recent times, there has been a growing interest in the history of Armenian colonies, especially the Lvov colony. The Historical Museum of Armenia's numismatic department houses a medal that holds significance to the Lvov Armenian colony's history. This commemorative medal was minted in honor of the 25th anniversary of Archbishop Josef Teodorovich's service by the State Mint in Warsaw.
Medal Description:
The bronze medal has a diameter of 55 mm and weighs 63.32 grams.
Front Side:
It features a relief of Archbishop Joseph Teodorovich of the Lvov Armenian Rite. He is depicted wearing a cap, a symbol of clerical authority, and a decorative chain from which a panagia is presumed to hang. Surrounding his image is a Polish inscription that translates to "Joseph Teodorovich Archbishop of the Armenian Rite." The medalist's name, Wojciech Przedvoevsky, is inscribed on the sleeve.
Reverse Side:
This side showcases a relief of the 14th-century Lviv Armenian Cathedral. The depiction is accurate in terms of the cathedral's general architecture, though some intricate external details might be omitted. The cathedral's tall tower and central semicircular apse are prominently featured. Surrounding the cathedral's image are symbols of episcopal authority and an inscription marking the 25th anniversary of the bishopric in 1927.
The Lviv Armenian Episcopate, founded in 1367, adhered to the pan-Armenian church center of Etchmiadzin until the mid-17th century. From 1654, a union was imposed, leading to the Latinization of the Armenian Church, with Lvov emerging as a hub for Catholic Armenians.
The medal's portrayal of Teodorovich captures the essence of an elderly individual, with every wrinkle narrating his life's journey. His gaze is profound, reflecting determination and resolve.
The medal's reverse side is particularly intriguing. It's rare for numismatic artifacts to depict Armenian architectural marvels. The representation of the medieval architectural monument holds academic significance. The Lviv Armenian Cathedral, constructed in the 14th century, is a testament to Armenian architectural prowess. Built with Armenian influence, the cathedral stands as a testament to the artistry of Armenian builders.
The cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Mother of God, was erected in 1363 by Armenian founders Shahnshah and Pansian Ashpragamiants. It took seven years to complete and is situated in the heart of Lviv's Armenian quarter. The medal offers a view of the church from Armenian Street, a sight still visible today.
Over six centuries, the cathedral has seen multiple renovations. Notably, in the early 20th century, changes associated with I. Teodorovich were made, including the addition of carved columns with ornamental patterns. However, these modifications didn't alter the church's core essence.
The release of Josef Teodorovich's commemorative medal is rooted in Lviv's rich history of Armenian artisans and medal art. Historical records highlight the prominence of Armenian "moneters" in the 14th century, who were exclusive specialists in Lviv's mint. The Armenian community's influence was pivotal in Lviv's economic ascent, driven by their monopoly in trading eastern goods with western neighbors.
Lviv's Armenian jewelers continued to excel in subsequent centuries, particularly in producing religious and everyday medals. This practice underscores the deep cultural ties between Lviv's Armenian artisans and Western Europe, where the tradition of minting commemorative medals originated.
The Teodorovich medal, a rare numismatic artifact from the early 20th century centered on an Armenian theme outside Armenia, embodies the cultural legacy of the Lvov Armenian colony's residents.
Files
Collection
Citation
“Archbishop Józef Teodorowicz - 25 Years as Archpastor Commemoration Medal,” Armenian Numismatic Research Organization, accessed December 22, 2024, https://armnumres.org/items/show/1520.