On May 29, 2016, the Alexander Mantashev Educational Cultural Youth Center in Batumi at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia celebrated the traditional “Vardaton” (Feast of Roses) to honor the great poet and musician Sayat-Nova. The Aghbyur Youth Vocal Ensemble, the Heghnar Dance Group, the drama circle and recitation classes students thrilled the audience with their performances. The event was held through the efforts of teachers of the Center, Ruzanna Hovhannisyan, Satenik Danielyan, Merine Poghosyan.

Minister of Education, Culture and Sport of Ajara, Giorgi Tavamaishvili; RA Consul General in Batumi, Aram Grigoryan; the leaders of eight friendly communities operating in Batumi, led by the Armenian community spokesperson, Arthur Hovhannisyan, visited the Alexander Mantashev Cultural Center to attended the event and convey their congratulations.

At the end of the event, the Director of the Center, Sona Hovhannisyan welcomed the people present and extended her congratulations on the occasion of the feast; she presented the origin of the traditional “Vardaton” and emphasized the importance of Sayat-Nova’s legacy in the rapprochement of the Armenian and Georgian nations. Rev. Father Ararat Gumbalyan, Pastor of Armenian community in Ajara, Guria and Imereti of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, gave a welcoming speech, he highly appreciated the work of the Cultural Center, the students’ hard work and teachers’ diligence, transmitted to the attendees the blessing from His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, and expressed his gratitude to Giorgi Tavamaishvili for his close cooperation with the Armenian community. The event was covered by Ajara TV and Channel 25.