The activities of the Youth Department of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia include pilgrimages and introductory tours to historical and religious sites in Georgia; the purpose is to introduce to the Armenian youth of Georgia the historical, cultural and religious monuments both in Armenia and Georgia.

Early in the morning, on March 14, 2017, at the initiative of the Youth Department of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, a group of 30 young Armenians made an introductory visit to the Shida Kartli region. The youth, headed by the Director of the Diocesan Youth Department, Valery Badalian, in the company of Programs Coordinator Nina Seropova and operator and photographer Gevorg Poghosov, went on tour. The introductory visit was organized to the sanctuaries of the Shida Kartli region.

The Samtavisi Cathedral, a medieval cross-domed church, was the first stop on the excursion. The Armenian youth admired its beautiful ancient architecture, lit candles in one of the most ancient Christian churches in Georgia. According to Georgian Saying the first Church was built by the king Vakhtang Gorgasali in the fifth century. The eleventh-century present cathedral was erected on the place of basilica; Samtavisi has been on the tentative list for inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage since 2004.

The introductory tour continued in Ateni Sioni Church. The youth saw the church from outside due to the ongoing process of reconstruction.

This was a full day tour, but everyone loved it, it was very enjoyable and interesting. The next stop on the tour was Uplistsikhe, located some 10 kilometers east of the town of Gori. Among the ancient cities of Uplistsikhe, Vardzia complex and David Gareja Monastery, unique examples of rock-cut architecture in Georgia, Uplistsikhe is identified as one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia. Uplistsikhe is an ancient settlement, a rock-hewn town, Uplistsikhe was a principal Georgian stronghold and the residence of the kings of Kartli. The youth lit candles in the church and read tombstones.

The youth arrived on the last stop of the tour, in the vicinity of the Surb Nshan Armenian Church. The church was closed. They saw the Armenian Church on the rock from outside; the local population, preserving the phonetic form of the original name of the church (Surb Nshan, Surb Nishani, Shub Nishani), certify the Armenian origin of the church.

The youth returned home with bright impressions and enriched knowledge. They spent memorable time in the lap of nature.

The Armenian youth’s introductory tours to historical, cultural and religious monuments in Georgia will be held on regular basis and will encompass different regions of Georgia.