Dear Armenians,

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year! We extend our prayers to God to keep you under his Holy Right, granting prosperous and happy long days of life.

2016 was a prosperous year for Armenian believers of Georgia. Our community-based and cultural organizations participated in different pan Armenian festivals and programs. Armenians of Georgia became familiar with Armenia’s and Artsakh’s sightseeing places through pilgrimage, participated strongly in various programs and events of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. Creative atmosphere was retained, and the Armenians of Georgia had a chance to enjoy the works of its greats in the field of theatre, classical music, national song and dance, literature and art, thanks to the work of the “Hayartun”, “Rafael Javakh” and Alexander Mantashev Educational Cultural and Youth Centers, and diligent work of political, social, cultural and educational institutions.

The construction of churches continues, particularly in Javakheti. The liturgies and church services were conducted on regular basis; our clergymen through their dedicated service brought comfort through the Gospel and breathed hope into our faithful people.

Dear brothers and sisters, may the coming year 2017 be full of achievements and success. This year we will also reconstruct churches and lead active spiritual and cultural life. The opening of the “Tumanyan Vernatun of Culture and Art”, the house of Hovhannes Tumanyan in Tbilisi, will be of particular importance. The improving of housing conditions in Alexander Mantashev Center in Batumi will create new opportunities for progress. Works will be undertaken to establish a Cultural Educational and Youth Center in the region of Tsalka.

The Armenian Diocese in Georgia expresses its gratitude for productive activities and cooperation, and on the solemn occasion extends congratulations and offers love to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Patriarchate of Georgia, Armenian and Georgian authorities, Council of Trustees of the Surb Gevorg Reconstruction Fund, IDeA Foundation, Jinishyan Memorial Foundation, religious, governmental and social institutions in Georgia and Armenia.

We believe in Armenian bright present and future build through dedication and hard work. We have our mission in this world and goals yet unachieved.

For centuries, the feast of Christmas has been a source of hope and faith for our nation. They became a source of new deeds and visions, helped to boost achievements.

Let the God born in the manger in Bethlehem bless our Christ-loving and patriotic nation, keep Armenia and Georgia in peace, warm millennial friendship of both nations, strengthen the cooperation of Armenian Apostolic and Georgian Orthodox Churches for the glory of infinite spiritual joy and family happiness of believers.

Christ is born and revealed, great tidings to us all!

With prayers and blessing,

PRIMATE OF THE ARMENIAN DIOCESE IN GEORGIA,

HIS GRACE BISHOP VAZGEN MIRZAKHANYAN