On March 26, 2017, the Rafael Javakh Cultural Educational and Youth Center in Ninotsminda at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia hosted a ceremony of paying homage to renowned writer and ethnographer Albert Isoyan. Among the attendees were Georgian-Armenian writers, the Center’s students and teachers, as well as Albert Isoyan’s family and close ones.

Rev. Father Armash Poghosyan, Pastor of Surb Sargis Church in Ninotsminda, offered his blessings and warm wishes. The event began with a speech by President of Vernatun Union of Armenian Writers of Georgia, Director of the Center Zhora Snkhchyan. He announced that by the decree of the RA Minister of Diaspora, Albert Isoyan was awarded the “Willian Saroyan” Medal.

Albert Isoyan has published eight large-scale books devoted to the ethnography of Javakhk and his traveler’s notes about visits abroad, including poems, funny stories and more. Writers Nazeli Nairi, Hovhannes Marikyan, Mikayel Yesoyan, Hmayak Grigoryan, Manuk Karakhanyan, Araksya Vardanyan, Tamar Tsarukyan and Kimik Isoyan expressed kind words and appreciation to the renowned intellectual.

At the end, Albert Isoyan gave a speech in which he expressed gratitude to Minister of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia Hranush Hakobyan for the high award and to the Vernatun Union of Armenian Writers of Georgia. The event featured sensational performances by the choir of Rafael Javakh Center (lead by I. Karslyan), as well as members of the recitation club (lead by S. Snkhchyan). The ceremony of paying homage turned into a unique and beautiful festival devoted to Armenian culture and literature. A reception followed.