On October 20, 2017, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia Davit Harutyunyan, who paid a two-day working visit to Tbilisi, visited the St. Etchmiadzin Church of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

The high-ranking guest was welcomed by the clergy and the diocesan officials. Pastor of the St. Etchmiadzin Church, Rev. Father Virap Ghazaryan greeted the guests and transmitted the blessings and good wishes of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan.

Father Virap presented to the Minister and accompanying him individuals the churches of the Armenian Diocese in Tbilisi, particularly the St.Etchmiadzin Church, referring to the history of the Church, built in the 19th century, its renovation and re-consecration by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, in 2011.

Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia accompanied by the clergy and the diocesan officials toured the Hayartun Center. “Movses Khorenatsi” Preschool children performed the national anthem of the Republic of Armenia, welcoming the high-ranking guest. Eugenia Markosyan, Director of the Educational Department of the Diocese; told the guests about the construction of the Hayartun Center, operating here Sunday Schools, creative groups, song and dance ensembles, highlighting that the groups not only participate in different cultural events in Armenia, but demonstrate the national culture in the cultural life of Georgia. The host expressed gratitude to the Armenian government for keeping the Armenian community in Tbilisi under its constant guidance, particularly emphasizing unwavering support of the RA Ministry of Diaspora provided to the centers that operate under the auspices of the Diocese.

Without hiding his amazement, David Harutyunyan appreciated the huge efforts made for the preservation of national identity, which unite the Armenians of Tbilisi and are being carried out at the center.

Afterwards, the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia headed towards the “Home of Hovhannes Tumanyan” Center for Science, Culture and Youth. Director of the “Home of Hovhannes Tumanyan” Center Gisane Hovsepyan presented the history of the last home of the poet in Tbilisi, touched upon the path taken to return the home to the Armenian community of Tbilisi and talked about the goals and benchmarks of the Center. The guests toured the rooms of the Center, asked about the library and admired the view from the balcony.

Despite having short time limits, a documentary was screened for the guests. The film featured the history of the Tumanyan’s house before the renovation and at present times.

Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia Davit Harutyunyan extended his gratitude and appreciation, and in the framework of his working visit headed to attended An Armenian-Georgian legal forum.