On December 22, 2017, Merited Cultural Figure of the Republic of Armenia, Professor, painter Susanna Mkrtchyan opened her personal exhibition at the Headquarters of the Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. If Armenians of Tbilisi are familiar with the art of sculptor and miniature painter from Gyumri Susanna Mkrtchyan, then in Akhalkalaki she presented her Bible verse miniature paintings on canvas for the first time. Nearly 30 miniature paintings are a wonderful expression of her boundless talent, as Susanna Mkrtchyan paints in many genres. A beautiful gamma of colors on canvas is based on the life of Jesus Christ – from joyful Christmas tidings to Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, in line with exhibition entitled “From the Annunciation to the Ascension or Great Lent”.

The hall was crowded. In attendance were Chairman of Akalkalaki Municipality Assembly (Sakrebulo) Nairi Iritsyan; Deputy Chairman Robinzon Ghavrelashvili; Deputy Mayor Armen Marangozyan; representatives of the local authorities from Ninotsminda, artists, many intellectuals and those who appreciate art.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan offered opening remarks. The Bishop introduced the talented painter; spoke about revival of cultural life at the Headquarters of the Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, stimulation of cooperation with the local cultural centers, art centers and music schools.

Bishop Vazgen highlighted the need to popularize national cuisine, as a significant part of the Armenian culture, and urged to unite around the churches, constantly organize various events for this purpose.

In his remarks, the Diocesan Primate spoke about the importance of proportional involvement of other regions in cultural activities.

Afterwards, Valery Stelmashov, Head of Department of Culture, Sport and Youth Affairs of regional administration of Akhalkalaki; principal of art school Karlen Karapetyan; Head of Department of Culture, Sport and Youth Affairs of regional administration of Ninotsminda, Zhora Snkhchyan; expressed their thoughts about the event.

At the end of the event, in her remarks, Susanna Mkrtchyan presented her art works and materials she works with. The talented painter expressed words of gratitude to the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, event planners, representatives of the local authorities for the reception and presenting and appreciating her art in this region inhabited by Armenians.

In his closing remarks, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia offered his blessings to Merited Cultural Figure of the Republic of Armenia Susanna Mkrtchyan, expressed his gratitude to the students of Akhalkalaki’s Music School for beautiful musical performances, and praised talented Anna Stelmashova. Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan offered his blessings and appreciation to the personnel of the Headquarters of the Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia for organizing the event and reception at a high level.

Let’s add that such events will become ongoing at the Headquarters of the Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia; the exhibition of paintings by Susanna Mkrtchyan will run until January 20.