On March 26, 2016, a solemn Candlelight Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Easter eve in the churches of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

Right Rev. Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, presided over a Candlelight Divine Liturgy in the Surb Prkich (Saint Savior) Church in Batumi.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Bishop conducted a Home Blessing Service in the Alexander Mantashev Educational Cultural Youth Center.

Georgian Defense Minister Tinatin Khidasheli, Deputy Minister Besarion Loladze, Colonels Nikoloz Agladze and Dmitry Kiknadze, the representatives of the State Agency for Religious Issues, diplomats from the RA Embassy in Georgia, honorary members of Armenian community in Tbilisi, guests and the faithful attended the Candlelight Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of Saint George in Tbilisi.

Following the Holy Mass, Very Rev. Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, Pastor of Kvemo Kartli region at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, congratulated the parish on the occasion of the Lord’s Resurrection, asking the Lord to grant peace and prosperity to Armenia and Georgia. Very Rev. Father on behalf of the Diocesan Primate expressed joy for the presence of the Georgian Defense Minister and other state officials in the Cathedral of Saint George.

Georgian Defense Minister Tinatin Khidasheli addressed the Armenian faithful and congratulated them on the occasion of Easter. “Armenians and Georgians in their continuous struggle for existence have remained faithful to Christian faith for centuries. Today, when terrorist attacks have become common around the world, I wish that peace reign in Armenia, Georgia and everywhere,” the statement said in part.

At the initiative of the godfather of the Cathedral of Saint George, Yuri Yeremyan, following the services, a reception took place.