On February 4, 2018, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan; celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Surb Prkich (Saint Savior) Church of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. Assistant to the Primate, Deacon Gevork Antonyan; and the deacons and acolytes of the Surb Prkich (Saint Savior) Church participated in the Liturgy.

It was a festive day; the church was crowded with faithful. Armenian faithful of Batumi, the residents of nearby regions, parents and children came to welcome the Diocesan Primate and to receive his blessings. In attendance were parish council members. It was an emotional and close to one’s heart ceremony, the church choir led by Ruzanna Ovanisyan sang religious hymns.

During the Divine Liturgy, the Primate preached on the mystery of the day, with the sermon’s epigraph: “Speak Armenian at home and outside”. The Diocesan Primate highly appreciated the children’s aspiration to learn the Armenian language, to know their ancestors’ history, to preserve their custom and traditions, exhorted them, while receiving education in any other language, to learn the Armenian language, which is native and familiar, to speak Armenian at home and outside. The Primate transmitted the love and good wishes of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians to the Armenians of Batumi, blessed the children in attendance and their parents, who bring their children to Mass from a very early age, bringing them closer to faith and church.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Diocesan Primate expressed his appreciation to Rev. Father Ararat Gumbalyan, Pastor of Armenians in Ajara, Guria, Imereti, and the Surb Prkich Church (Saint Savior) of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia; for his service and action taken by the Father to unite the local Armenians around the Armenian Church.

The Bishop offered his blessings and appreciation to the Parish Council members, who attended the Divine Liturgy, encouraged them to continue to support the Surb Prkich (Saint Savior) Church and the Armenians of Ajara, presented them with icons, wishing them long life and success.

It has already become a beautiful tradition in the Surb Prkich (Saint Savior) Church, following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, to offer one hour to random conversations between the Rev. Father and the faithful about various topics, hosting tea parties. Following the Divine Liturgy, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and accompanying him diocesan officials attended similar tea party.

On the road to Batumi, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and accompanying him delegates met with members of the Armenian community of Chakvi.

The local Armenians dressed in national costumes welcomed the Bishop and his delegation with traditional bread and salt. During the conversation, problems and challenges of the community were discussed. As a result of the meeting, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia promised to provide reimbursement of travel expenses, so that the Armenians of Chakvi would have the opportunity to travel to Batumi and attend the Divine Liturgy at the Surb Prkich (Saint Savior) Church.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia treated to the children attending the meeting sweets.