From December 16 to 17, 2017, the Armenian community of Georgia hosted the delegation of Yerevan’s Shengavit administrative district, including Gayane Saroyan, specialist of the Department of Culture, Education and Sport; Garnik Shirinyan, director of the Culture House # 5; and 13 year old soloist, Rita Hovhannisyan.

As far back as in 2016 Yerevan’s Shengavit administrative district and the Alexander Mantashev Educational Cultural Youth Center at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia concluded a memorandum of cooperation. It has given impetus to the reciprocal visits and different projects. The delegation of Yerevan’s Shengavit administrative district arrived in Batumi, visited the Alexander Mantashev Educational Cultural Youth Center at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, and had a meeting with members of the Armenian community.

Director of the Alexander Mantashev Center, Sona Hovhannisyan; welcomed the guests, presented the Center’s activity directions, and the work of the preschool, Sunday schools and creative groups.

The students of the senior and junior groups of the Aghbyur Youth Vocal Ensemble (led by choirmaster Ruzanna Hovhannisyan) greeted the guests and performed songs. Soloist Rita Hovhannisyan performed patriotic and national songs. Garnik Shirinyan spoke about ongoing cooperation and joint projects.

Rev. Father Ararat Gumbalyan, Pastor of Armenians in Ajara, Guria, Imereti, and the Surb Prkich Church (Saint Savior) of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia; offered closing remarks. The meeting was held in a warm atmosphere.

The following day, on December 17, the guest from Armenia arrived in Tbilisi, to attend the festival of ghapama held in the courtyard of the Cathedral of Saints George in Tbilisi. Here also teenager Rita Hovhannisyan performed songs and set people in a good mood.

The Cultural Department in the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and Yerevan’s Shengavit administrative district agreed to continue cooperation.