June 11, 2017, marked open-air year-end ceremonies and the commencement ceremony for the alumni of the Rafael Javakh Cultural Educational Center in Ninotsminda, the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

Among those attending were head of regional administration in Ninotsminda region, Gagik Karslyan; Rev. Father Armash Poghosyan, Pastor of the Saint Sarkis Church and nearby villages; President of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Montreal Board of Trustees, Ohan Ohanyan; guests from Armenia in Georgia, the center students, parents and local residents.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Babken Salbiyan, the Prelate of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia; honored the ceremony with his presence.

The Head of the Center, Zhora Snkhchyan gave opening remarks. He highlighted the purposeful activities in the Center, where almost 300 students receive a cultural education through additional studies. Additional studies include History of Armenia, History of Religion, Recitation classes, Arts and National Armenian Carpet School.

The Head of the Center, Zhora Snkhchyan said with much pride that the member of the “Aravot Luso” Choir Anna Gharslyan among 200 participants in the city of Pesaro, Italy, had been given the honor to undergo training at La Scala Opera Theatre; and the alumna of the Center, Taguhi Hohvannisyan would study in the USA for up to a year to improve her English.

During the end of year celebration 7 alumni received their certificates after they had attended a three-year course. The honorable guests handed over the certificates of completion to the alumni, while all of the alumni expressed their appreciation.

During the commencement ceremony, the younger students gave a concert in honor of their older friends and guests.

The program was punctuated by musical performances by the soloists, as well as the students of the “Aravot Luso” Choir (led by Irina Gharslyan), the Tsakhkazard Dance Ensemble (led by Sevak Bdoyan), the “Parnas” Recitation Classes (led by Satenik Snkhchyan), English classes (teacher Anush Tovmasyan).

Guests viewed the exhibition of paintings by the younger students of the Center (teacher Sirakanyan).

The “Rafael Javakh” Cultural Educational and Youth Center operates in Ninotsminda, at the St. Sarkis Church of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. The Center aims to develop national mentality, spiritual revival and Armenian culture familiarization skills among the Armenian youth in the region. The Center was acquired through financial donations made by the brothers, Armen and Tatul Gharslyans, who were born in Ninotsminda and are based in Russia now. The Center receives funding from the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.