Pilgrimage to ancient churches of Stepanavan |
On October 25, 2014 a group of believers from St. Echmiadzin church at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, headed by the priest St. Manuk Zeynalyan, pilgrimed to ancient churches in Stepanavan. The pilgrimage started from Lori fortress. The supervisor of the fortress-castle welcomed the pilgrims. He gladly introduced the construction works at the fortress, supported by the Ministry of Culture of RA. Later the pilgrims paid a visit to the temple of St. Manuk. It was once a hall for royal celebrations. Later, already in the 17th century, it was turned into a spiritual center and the first belfry was built. Unfortunately, the temple is now in an inconsolable condition. A sacrament of confession was performed at St. Manuk temple by the priest St. Manuk Zeynalyan, and all the 23 pilgrims took the communion. The pilgrims also visited St. Astvatsatsin church of Hnevank in Kurtan village. Although dilapidated, and inconsolable, the ancient temple had a mighty power of belief. The pilgrims lit candles in the ruined church and prayed to God to save the church from the critical situation. The pilgrims returned to Tbilisi late at night with great spiritual power from their visit to the house of God.
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