On March 2, 2016, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia had properly prepared for the Median Day of the Great Lent (Mijink). Ten participants from Akhalkalaki and nearby villages traditionally presented typical regional Armenian pastry (gata).

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyn, in the company of the Head of the Cultural Department of the Diocese and the Director of the Hayartun Center, Levon Chidilyan, and the Head of the Social Service, Dn. Gevorg Antonyan, arrived in Akhalkalaki on the occasion of the holiday.

The Very Rev. Fr. Babken Salbiyan, the Prelate of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the clergy of the Church and Metropolitan Nikoloz Pachuashvili of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Diocese welcomed the Diocesan Primate along with accompanying him delegation members near the Surb Khach (Holy Cross) Church in Akhalkalaki.

Following the Evening Service, a concert of spiritual and national songs was held in the Surb Khach Church with participation of “Tsakhkazard” Choir, which had arrived specially for the occasion through the financial assistance of the RA Ministry of Diaspora. The choir members brought highly artistic performance to many faithful gathered together in the church.

Following the cultural event, girls dressed in folk costumes brought the traditional pastry to the church. The Diocesan Primate, through the offices of the clergy, presided over the blessing of the traditional pastry, which lately was distributed to the people present.

The Bishop conveyed his blessings to the Very Rev. Fr. Babken Salbiyan, the Prelate of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the clergymen of the Diocese, the women, who had baked the traditional pastry with great dedication, representatives of the local authorities, the organizers, and the members of the “Tsakhkazard” Choir. The Primate extended his gratitude and appreciation to RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, who had constantly offered her support to the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

The Diocesan Primate expressed his brotherly love to Metropolitan Nikoloz Pachuashvili of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Diocese for his cooperation with the local clergy, considering it as real activity of two Sister churches.

Metropolitan Nikoloz in his remarks emphasized that the Armenians had preserved folk customs and cultural traditions together with the religious holidays, which enriched the spiritual and national life.

Later, the Diocesan Primate along with accompanying him delegation members traveled to Ninotsminda. The Pastor of the St. Sarkis Church, Rev. Father Armash Poghosyan, together with Zhora Snkhchyan, Head of Rafael-Javakh Cultural, Educational and Youth Center, teachers of the Center and the faithful greeted the honored guests.

The program in Ninotsminda opened with Evening Service and was followed by the concert organized by the Rafael-Javakh Center’s students. The Bishop blessed the traditional pastry, highly appreciating the organizers’ and people’s commitment to the folk customs. The church choir sang religious songs while bringing the traditional pastry to the jury. The best bakers received diplomas and souvenirs, after that the traditional pastry was distributed to the attendees.

The Primate addressed his words of appreciation to the brothers, Armen and Tatul Gharslyan, for financial assistance of the center, which unites under its auspices so many talented children.

The student of the Center, Ani Sanosyan and her peers raised money to help four local large families, which was very impressive.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia along with accompanying him delegation returned to Tbilisi late at night.