On April 11, 2019, the Calouste Gulbenkian Hall of the "Hayartun" Center of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia had a festive appearance. Within the framework of Hovhannes Tumanyan's 150th anniversary, the Surb Movses Khorenatsi (St. Moses of Khoren) preschool performed "Barekendan" play based on the fairy tale of the great writer from Lori.
The hall was crowded. Among the honorary guests was the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, accompanied by Rev. Father Tatev Marukyan, head of the Language Committee of the RA Ministry of Education and Science Davit Gyurjinyan with his spouse, "Kamurj" ("Bridge") NGO president Gayane Bostanjyan.
After the Lord's Prayer and the national anthems of Armenia and Georgia the children presented the fairy tale "Barekendan". Under the leadership of the director of the educational department of the Armenian Diocese Eugenia Markosyan, thanks to teachers devoted work and support from parents, the play really became funny and interesting. The speeches of the children during the play were saturated with beautiful folklore expressions (teacher Metaksya Ghazaryan), ancient folklore songs (teacher Lia Khitarishvili), victorious and group dance (choreographer Suren Abramyan). The center of the play was the traditional Armenian rural family where the children dressed in national costumes beautifully presented the fairy tale "Barekendan", giving a happy mood to everyone.
Linguist Davit Gyurjinyan, inspired and excited by the play, expressed conviction that in the Armenian community in Georgia, due to such educational and cultural centers' devoted activity, the Armenian community will continue its existence.
Rev. Father Tatev Marukyan and Gayane Bostanjyan shared their impressions, urged the parents to direct their children to Armenian schools where they will preserve their national identity and fully integrate into Georgian society.
The Diocesan Primate summarized the event. Offering his blessings to those present, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan highly appreciated the activities of the preschool, the teachers' efforts in the education and upbringing of students, the parents who are bringing their children from different districts of the city to this school where the day begins with the morning service in church and Lord's Prayer and ends with Protector Prayer. It was highlighted that during the current academic year the preschool's eight schoolchildren from 11 will study in Armenian schools.
At the conclusion of the event, the attendees were urged to be next to the Armenian Church and take part in all ceremonies and events of the church.