On November 23, the Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, through the offices of the Vicar-General of Javakhk Supreme Archimandrite Babken Salbiyan, spiritual shepherd of Arakova and nearby villages Priest Tadeos Ter-Mkrtchyan, Priest Tatev Marukyan and Priest Tigran Mkhitaryan, sanctified Holy Trinity Church in Alatuman village of Akhalkalaki region, as well as Khachkar (cross-stone) erected in the church yard. After the consecration ceremony the Divine and Immortal Liturgy was served. Priest Tadeos Ter-Mkrtchyan conducted the divine service.

The Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Georgia transmitted to Javakheti residents of Alatuman village blessing and good wishes from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. “Nowadays there are people who really are in search of God, and on their way they come and worship the House of God. People, who live in this Armenian-inhabited chimney corner, work hard to earn a living and are close to the Church.” The Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Georgia passed regards of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Georgia Hovhannes Manoukian to the audience.

Holy Trinity Church was built in 1830s. During the earthquake of December 19, 1899 the church building had suffered great damage. The construction of Holy Trinity Church and improvement of its vicinity was implemented on donations of residing in Russia businessman Alik Makaryan. There is Khachkar erected in memory of benefactor’s father in the church yard. The Vicar-General of Javakhk highly appreciated the work conducted by the benefactor. “Residents of Alatuman village for nearly a century have been waiting for this blessed day. They dreamt of seeing Holy Trinity Church well-maintained, wanted to listen to the bells ringing, to light a candle and pray to God. And thanks to benefactor Alik Makaryan their dream has come true”, - Archimandrite Babken Salbiyan mentioned in his speech and presented to the benefactor written blessings as well as the Bible.

Georgian MP Samvel Petrosyan, Deputy Governor of Samtskhe-Javakheti Region Harutyun Hovhannisyan, Chairman of Akhalkalaki Sakrebulo Hamlet Movsisyan, Gamgebeli of Akhalkalaki Municipality Eduard Aghasaryan, guests and pilgrims from different corners of Armenia, Russia and Georgia attended the consecration ceremony. After the end of the consecration ceremony of Holy Trinity Church the traditional sacrifice “matagh” was given to the people.

A concert, featuring Mavr Mkrtchyan and his friends, “Karin” Song and Dance Ensemble headed by Gagik Ginosyan, students of Children and Youth Folk Ensemble from Baralet village, was held in connection with the holiday.

Alatuman village is located just 20 km from Akhalkalaki. The village divides the Akhalkalaki/Tabatskuri road into two parts.

The Armenian population moved here starting from the 18^th century from the homonymous province of Karin.