The “Haghartsin Cultural Week” project has been successfully completed recently, within the framework of which many events were held through the efforts of youth unions of the frontier villages and RA Tavush region. Greatly appreciating the involvement of youth in the life of the Diocese, at the initiative and with the support of the Headquarters of Primacy of Tavush Patriarchal Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church a pilgrimage of youth of Tavush was organized to Tbilisi.

On September 3-4, 2016, the members of the Youth Organization of Tavush Diocese and the Children’s and Youth Choir of the St. Hovhannes Armenian Church in Berd, as well as representatives of the regional cities and villages, led by His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Primate of the Diocese of Tavush; and Pastor of the St. Hovhannes Armenian Church in Berd, Rev. Father Aram Mirzoyan; arrived in Tbilisi.

The pilgrims attended the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of St. George of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia; the celebrant was Rev. Father Aram Mirzoyan. The Children’s and Youth Choir of the St. Hovhannes Armenian Church in Berd sang the Divine Liturgy under the direction of choirmaster Hermine Palanduzyan. During the Divine Liturgy, Very Rev. Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, assistant to the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia; on behalf of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan; welcomed His Grace Bishop Bagrat and the pilgrims of Tavush, and presented a brief biography and extensive activities of Bishop Bagrat.

The Primate of Tavush Diocese extended his blessings to the people present. The Bishop first of all conveyed his fraternal love and appreciation to the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia for the reception and invitation, and called on the Armenian faithful of Tbilisi to be fearless and proud, because Christians do not fear and do not feel ashamed.

The pilgrims bowed at the tomb of the great poet and musician Sayat-Nova buried in the courtyard of the Cathedral of Saint George; at the tomb of St. Shushanik in the Metekhi Church; to the memory of the Armenian Greats at the Tbilisi Pantheon of the Armenian Writers and Public Figures “Khojivank”.

The guests lit candles in the Saint Etchmiadzin Church in Avlabari, toured the Hayartun Center, played musical instruments, recited poems and danced together with the youth of the Center.

The group of young pilgrims returned home with bright impressions and equipped with new friends.