On May 7, 2016, the Calouste Gulbenkian Hall of the “Hayartun” Center at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia hosted a celebratory event dedicated to the 24th anniversary of Shushi Liberation. In attendance were diplomats from the RA Embassy in Georgia, the Artsakh War heroes, Stanislav Manukyan and Artur Beglyan, Tbilisi Armenian intellectuals and community representatives.

Levon Chidilyan, Head of Department of Cultural Affairs at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and Coordinator of the Hayartun Center, gave opening remarks and read a short story by William Saroyan “The Armenian and the Armenian”.

Armenia's military attaché to Georgia, colonel Samvel Ramazyan, emphasized the importance of the Liberation of Shushi 24 years ago – a glorious day in the Artsakh War chronicle. The speaker referred to the victory of the Armenian freedom-loving and unwavering spirit that had guided the soldiers during the Battle of Avarayr, the Battle of Sardarapat and the Liberation of Shushi. The Liberation of Shushi was self-conscience of the nation’s survival, strong will for victory formed by years of struggle, the main goal to liberate our motherland. The colonel ended his speech with the call to love the motherland, to preserve the Mother tongue, to stay Armenian and to uphold the honor of the Armenian nation at all times and in all places.

The valour and heroism of 18-22 year old Armenian soldiers in the four-day war, who were in the frontline guarding the borders of our fatherland, bears witness to the fact that in the name of motherland it is possible to win a victory even with fewer forces, when survival of the nation and the defense of historical homeland are at stake, - the Counselors at the RA Embassy in Georgia, Karen Melikyan, emphasized in his statement.

In his closing remarks, the newly-appointed Pastor of Kvemo Kartli region at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Rev. Father Virap Ghazaryan spoke about national unity and the unifying role of the Church. Force creates right, while force is produced by the spirit. The spiritual leader’s prayer for God’s protection and his instructions given to the soldiers to rely on the power of the Cross before the battle are the guarantee for victory of the spirit. The Armenian Apostolic Holy Church is a unifying power, which in Christian love unites people around oneself in peacetime, supports through prayers and the power of the Cross during the war, the Rev. Father highlighted in his statement.

The Artsakh War hero, Stanislav Manukyan, performed his own song dedicated to Shushi, the screening of documentary “Wedding in the Mountains” was held during the event. Levon Chidilyan and Liza Torosyan recited patriotic poems by Avetik Isahakyan, Hamo Sahyan and Gevorg Emin. Saint Nerses Shnorhali Youth Choir and individual performers, Nina Karapetyan and Ani Hovhannisyan, performed martial and dedicated to Armenia songs. Words of appreciation were addressed to the event organizers.

This event was a part of celebrations dedicated to the May triple-holiday.