On May 28, 2017, the Armenians of Tbilisi were in a happy and festive mood.  People were rushing to the Cathedral of Saint George, located in the heart of Old Tbilisi – Meidan, to participate in the festive Divine Liturgy.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Attending the celebration were diplomats from the RA Embassy in Georgia, community activists, intellectuals, civil society representatives and the faithful.
During the Holy Mass, the celebrant Bishop offered his sermon on the sanctity of the day, mentioning that the day is celebrated as a triple feast day. Referring to the mystery of the day at the religious, public and national levels, the Primate reflected on the Second Palm Sunday. The Second Palm Sunday is the commemoration of the triumphant entry of the Ascended Christ into the Heavenly Jerusalem, where the angels meet him with great happiness and delight.
Bishop Vazgen highlighted the 99th anniversary of the first Armenian Republic, the proclamation of the first Armenian Republic in Tbilisi, following the victories in the Battle of Bash-Aparan and the Battle of Sardarapat.  
The celebrant also spoke about the celebration of the 103rd Sayat-Nova Vardaton (Feast of Roses) in Tbilisi Downtown Meidan Square, which traditionally brings together not only Armenians, but foreigners, and guests from Armenia and many Georgian regions.
With the participation of the Diocesan Primate and the clergy, a Special Prayer Service was offered for the vibrancy of the homeland, the strengthening of the Armenian statehood and prosperity of the Armenian people.
Also in attendance were the President of the Georgian Writer’s Union, Makvala Gonashvili; and her delegation; the Chairman of the Writers’ Union of Armenia, Edvard Militonyan; and his delegation; the Sayat-Nova State Minstrel Song Ensemble, led by Artistic Director, Professor Tovmas Poghosyan.
Following the Divine Liturgy, under the presidency of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and with the participation of the clergy the repose of the soul service was conducted. The guests laid red roses at the tomb of the great poet and musician Sayat-Nova, buried in the church courtyard.
The guests from Armenia lit candles in memory of Sayat-Nova at the Cathedral of Saint George.