The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of the Republic of Armenia has cooperated closely for many years with the Youth Department of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. This cooperation is expanding year after year, and becoming pro-national and patriotic.

This year, with the support of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, a cognitive and cooperative visit to Armenia was organized for the young Armenians of Georgia. The goal of the program was the preservation of Armenian identity in Diaspora, dissemination of Armenian cultural heritage, preservation of national values, the development of Armenia-Diaspora cooperation, and establishment of closer ties and cooperation with youth.

On September 22, 2017, upon receiving the blessing and good wishes from His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, a group consisting of 25 young Georgian-Armenians, led by the Department Director Valeri Badalyan and with the accompaniment of Deacon Gevorg Antonyan and Nina Seropova, Youth Programs Coordinator; headed to Armenia. The whole group consisted of active young people from Tbilisi, Rustavi, Marneuli, Bolnisi, Tsalka, Ninotsminda, Akhalkalaki, Batumi (Armenian Diocese in Georgia), who love the church and attach great importance to our spiritual and national values, unity and solidarity, share their good deeds and inspire other young people around them.

On the first day, even though they were tired, a group of young people visited Mariam and Yeranuhi Alsamazyan Sisters’ Gallery in Gyumri. After lighting candles in the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God and saying a prayer in the Saghmosavank, an Armenian monastic complex, the young Armenians with a good mood, under joyful songs and dances, headed towards Yerevan.

On the second day the young Armenians of Georgia were hosted at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

In attendance were the ministry employees, members of youth organizations from different regions.

David Hayrapetyan, Director of the Youth Events Holding Center, spoke about various programs implemented by the Ministry, which include cognitive visits, meetings, and trainings. The visit of young Armenians of Georgia was made possible within the framework of this program. During the meeting the programs implemented by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, strategy and priority issues were highlighted.

Director of the Youth Department of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Valeri Badalyan; expressed deep gratitude to the RA Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs for the cooperation and assistance in implementation of various programs, organizing visits to Armenia and Artsakh, at such a high level. The Youth Department Director voiced hope that these projects would be ongoing.

During the meeting the young people highlighted the importance of the project, as well as their interests and preferences.

On the second day the young Armenians also visited the Temple of Garni, the medieval monastery of Geghard, Khor Virap Monastery and the history museum, toured Yerevan, and headed towards Tatev Monastery, rode on TaTever Tramway, after which the youth spent the night in Goris.

A three-day program was interesting, informative and rich. The young Armenians of Georgia visited Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial and laid flowers around the fire; they said a prayer and lit candles at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, which filled them with spiritual joy. The youth returned home with great impressions and a spirit of patriotism.

The Youth Department of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia expresses its gratefulness and appreciation to the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of RA and the administration of the Youth Events Holding Center for abiding support and cooperation.