On June 17, 2016, a group of pilgrims from the St. Marianeh Church in Ashtarak, the Republic of Armenia, led by Rev. Father Mkrtich Yeranyan and Acolyte Khachik Vardanyan, arrived in Tbilisi.

The heart of every Armenian Christian is filled with desire to lit a candle and pray in different Armenian sanctuaries. The Saint Gevorg Cathedral in Tbilisi was one of those sanctuaries for the pilgrims from Armenia. While visiting the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the pilgrims lit candles in the totally renovated Saint Gevorg Cathedral asking God to hear and answer their prayers; they were impressed by the unique frescoes and splendor of the ancient Armenian cathedral.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan received the group of faithful of the St. Marianeh Church and offered his blessings. The Diocesan Primate presented diocesan projects and issues, as well as activities in different spheres undertaken by the Diocese. The Primate wished the pilgrims Heavenly support.

The pilgrims from Armenia in the company of Dn. Gevorg Antonyan paid a visit to the Tbilisi Pantheon of the Armenian Writers and Public Figures “Khojivank” and bowed before the gravestones of prominent figures.

In Gary Davtyan Family Puppet Theatre the pilgrims enjoyed the charm of puppets created by the late master Garry Davtyan, saw an amazing puppet show presented by the Headmistress, Zhana Davtyan, felt the atmosphere of Old Tbilisi and Avlabari historically inhabited by Armenians.

The next day was also very impressive and full of emotions. The pilgrims visited Mtskheta, one the oldest cities of Georgia and the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church, toured Jvari Monastery, lit candles in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

The parish of the St. Marianeh Church in Astarak also raised a prayer in the St. Etchmiadzin Church in Tbilisi, toured the Hayartun Educational Cultural Youth Center, learned about the activities of the creative groups and the work of the St. Movses Khorenatsi Kindergarten aimed at the promotion of Armenian upbringing of the new generation.

The same day the pilgrims from the St. Marianeh Church in Ashtarak returned home filled with rich impressions and joyful bliss.