October 30, 2015 is an important date in the history of Armenians of Georgia. Despite rainy weather the churchyard was crowded with faithful. After the three-year reconstruction period, the Saint Gevorg Cathedral in Tbilisi with renovated Bishop’s residence, yard and wide territory threw open its doors to the faithful.

The Drnbarsek (Opening of the Doors) Ceremony in Saint Gevorg Cathedral (XIII c.) was presided over by Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, also participating in the service were the vicars and the clergy. 12 pillars, and small altars in the name of Saint Sarkis the Warrior and Saint Vardan Mamikonyan and His Companions were consecrated.

Following the church services, the Primate blessed the audience and gave his opinion. The Bishop expressed his gratitude to the charitable IDeA Foundation, other benefactors, through their generosity the full-scale renovation of the church was made possible. Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan highly appreciated all of the hard work of architect-restorers and restoration builders, who fortified the church, restored the unique frescoes, presenting the church in its entire splendor.

Later on the same day, at Sadakhlo border-crossing point between Armenia and Georgia the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the Georgian Orthodox Church representatives, the Georgian MPs of Armenian descent, the Armenian-inhabited region’s officials, public figures and businessmen welcomed His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, who headed to Tbilisi to perform reconsecration rite in the Saint Gevorg Cathedral.

The Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia hosted the Supreme Patriarch Karekin II along with accompanying him delegation members at his residence. The leaders of two Christian Churches discussed issues of common interest and cooperation during the meeting.

The same day in the evening, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and paying a working visit to Tbilisi the President of Republic of Armenia along with the delegation members attended a poetic and musical evening “One of You...” dedicated to Marine Ales, held at Kote Marjanishvili State Drama Theatre, within the framework of 100 LIVES Idea Foundation initiative.
Tomorrow October 31, in attendance of the benefactors and donors of the renovation project His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians will perform reconsecration of the Saint Gevorg Cathedral.