On August 26, 2016, the leaders of the ARS Javakhk Fund, diplomats from the RA Embassy in Georgia, the clergy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, representatives of the community-based organizations, Tbilisi Armenian intellectuals gathered at the Tbilisi Pantheon of the Armenian Writers and Public Figures “Khojivank”.

The celebration of the 170th anniversary of the birth of Jivani (born Serob Stepani Levonian), an Armenian gusan (bard), started by laying flowers at the tomb of the great poet and the repose of the soul service.

In his opening remarks, the Cultural Department Head and the Director of the Hayartun Center, Levon Chidilyan invited the people present to participate in a traditional day for honoring Jivani, which will be held in Kartsakh village, the birthplace of ashik, on August 27. The contest between ashiks and the opening of the Jivani House Museum are scheduled for that day.

Poetess and translator Anahit Bostanjyan, Sos Sahakyan, the President of the Board of Trustees of the ARS Javakhk Fund, Ashot Hakobyan, the Executive Director of the ARS Javakhk Fund, Armen Bayanduryan, artistic director of Tbilisi State Drama Theatre after Petros Adamyan, the Editor of the “Vrastan” Newsletter (“Georgia”) Van Baiburtyan, paid tribute to Jivani and praised his meditative-philosophical works, national poetry. Ashik’s great-granddaughter, the granddaughter of his daughter Araksia, - Greta Nizharadze, extended words of appreciation to the ARS Javakhk Fund and Akhalkalaki Municipality, for their efforts and initiative to open her great-grandfather’s house-museum in his birthplace.

Sprinkling of water and soil from Kartsakh village on Jivani’s grave by the attendees was especially touching.

In his closing remarks, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan blessed the attendees. Great Jivani is immortal, he continues to live in the hearts of our people through his songs and poems as an ashik, poet, great patriot and devoted friend. The Diocesan Primate praised the region of Javakheti and residing in Javakheti Armenian art lovers, who set a wonderful example of the preservation of national identity, and serve as an unbreakable link of Armenian-Georgian friendship.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia conducted the repose of the soul service, with the participation of the clergy and Tbilisi’s Surb Etchmiadzin Church choir members.