On June 28, 2016, mothers of soldiers, who were killed defending Artsakh’s and Armenia’s borders, visited the Surb Prkich Church (Saint Savior) in Batumi.

Rev. Father Ararat Gumbalyan, Pastor of the Church, conducted a service for the repose of the souls of departed soldiers. Father Ararat offered words of comfort to the mothers bereft of sons in the war, he highlighted the sense of patriotism and dedication, which only a mother can instill in her son while educating her beloved child.

Batumi’s Alexander Mantashev Center at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia hosted a meeting with the pilgrims bereft of sons. In attendance were newly appointed RA Consul General in Adjara, Guria and Imereti, Yeghishe Sargsyan; community officials and the Center’s staff.

The Director of the Center, Sona Hovhannisyan, gave opening remarks; she thanked the mothers of departed soldiers for raising heroes and brave defenders of the Motherland. A video dedicated to the Armenian Army followed.

RA Consul General, Yeghishe Sargsyan, and Rev. Father Ararat Gumbalyan extended their words of appreciation. Both sides emphasized that receiving encouragement from the mothers of soldiers, who died a hero, might be the most powerful message of defending the Motherland and its borders at the expense of one’s life addressed to the youth.

Mothers of soldiers delivered speeches; carrying in heart the pain of losing a child, they noted that they feel pride for their children, who died defending the Motherland. They expressed their gratitude to the attendees for preserving their children’s memory, and encouraged the youth, to defend their Fatherland, their home and honor of their parents at all times and in all places, even at the expense of one’s life.