On November 10 festive mood prevailed in Jigrashen community of Ninotsminda region. The village celebrated the first anniversary of Surb Hreshtakapetats Church, which had been ruined for many years and last year was restored and re-consecrated.

Spiritual shepherd of this region Priest Armash Poghosyan conducted the divine service. The Vicar-General of Javakhk Supreme Archimandrite Babken Salbiyan, as well as representatives of local authorities, the faithful and pilgrims from different Armenian villages of the region attended the Liturgy. Exactly a year ago Kspoyan brothers made donations for the restoration of Surb Hreshtakapetats Church, while the Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan with the participation of The Vicar-General of Javakhk Supreme Archimandrite Babken Salbiyan solemnly served the consecration ceremony of the church.

Under the leadership of the Vicar-General of Javakhk and spiritual shepherd of Ninotsminda region and adjacent villages Priest Armash Poghosyan many believers and pilgrims came to attend the Divine and Immortal Liturgy.

The Vicar in his speech mentioned that everything is done in order to strengthen the spiritual awareness and develop cultural life in communities.

“We can see the deficit of spiritual and cultural life in communities. Times have changed and dedicated villagers are doing everything to preserve the church and increase the number of believers,”- the Vicar-General of Javakhk mentioned.

Archimandrite Babken Salbiyan sent his blessings and best wishes to brothers Arsen, Ararat and Armen Kspoyan, he also highly appreciated their good work for the benefit of the nation. And as a token of gratitude for the implemented work he presented the icon and “Book of Lamentations” of St. Gregory of Narek to the church benefactor Arsen Kspoyan.

Dance and music groups of Ninotsminda gave a concert in the House of Culture. Patriotic songs were accompanied by Armenian national dances.

Press service of the Vicariate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Samtskhe-Javakheti