By the initiative of St. Savior Armenian Church leader Father Ararat Gumbalyan of Batumi, 100 anniversary of the annual Sayat-Nova “Rose Festival” was celebrated at Batumi’s school N9.

School children and cultural groups of the church offered joint performances during the event. Sayat-Nova’s beautiful songs were presented by the students of “Aghbyur” children chorus of St. Savoir church under the leadership of RuzannaHovhannisyan. Students of “St. MesropMashtots” Sunday school also participated in the festivities under the leadership of SonaHovhannisyan, who read and presented poems in Armenian and Georgian languages, while TatevikKhachatryan’s “Heghnar” dance group presented traditional Armenian dances. SatenikDanielyan, a teacher of school N9 was the artistic director of the festival.

Among the participants were the school’s leadership, teachers, parents and other guests. Armenia’s Consul General in Adjara, Guria and Imeretia Aram Grigoryan was also present at the event. At the end of the festivities participants received blessings from the head of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia Bishop VazgenMirzakhanyan.

Besides candles, beautiful red roses reminding about the love of Sayat-Nova for roses decorated the festival hall. Small theatrical plays were performed about the love story of Sayat-Nova and Anna. With Sayat-Nova’s carols and poetry the room was filled with warmth and love throughout the hours long event.