Anania Shirakatsi (612-685) was the greatest Armenian scientist of the middle Ages. He was a philosopher, mathematician, cosmologist, chronologist, the founder of exact and natural sciences in Armenia. Having advanced astronomical views for his epoch and having left rich astronomical heritage, Shirakatsi is by right considered to be the founder of astronomy in Armenia. His scientific heritage has significantly influenced on further development of the Armenian natural science.

UNESCO has included Anania Shirakatsi’s 1400th anniversary in the list of its important anniversaries of 2012 (Mesrop Mashtots 1650th and Sayat-Nova’s 300th anniversaries also are in this list).

The RA Government has decided to celebrate Anania Shirakatsi’s 1400th anniversary in 2012. Jubilee Committee has been formed headed by the Prime-Minister and involving officials from the State organizations and research institutes. Several Ministries, institutes, and organizations are involved:

• Ministry of Culture
• Ministry of Education and Science
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• RA National Academy of Sciences (NAS RA)
• Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO)
• NAS RA Institute of History
• NAS RA Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography
• Matenadaran (the Museum of Ancient Manuscripts)
• Yerevan State University (YSU)
• Armenian State Pedagogical University
• Anania Shirakatsi College