On February 5, 2018, starting from the early hours the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan; and his delegation continued meetings in Batumi.

The day started with the Morning Service at the Surb Prkich Church (Saint Savior), in attendance were the guests from Tbilisi, the students of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Preschool and their parents. Following the Morning Service, the Alexander Mantashev Center hosted the meeting with the children. After a few more moments of joyful conversation with the students and their teachers, the Diocesan Primate distributed boxes “A gift for my friend” sent by Germany’s Christian communities, which turned their day into a day of celebration. Within the framework of his working visit to Adjara, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, accompanied by the delegates and the Pastor of the Surb Prkich Church (Saint Savior); visited the Batumi City Hall and had a meeting with newly elected Mayor Lasha Komakhidze.

Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, on behalf of the clergy, officials, and faithful of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, congratulated the newly elected Mayor, wishing him productive work, reiterated the support of the Armenian community of Batumi for the City Hall’s initiatives.

The Diocesan Primate highly appreciated the attention of the newly elected Mayor to problems facing the Armenian community of Batumi in culture and education.

Mayor Komakhidze expressed his gratitude for the visit and good wishes, highlighted that Armenians of Batumi have contributed to the development of the capital city of Autonomous Republic of Adjara, expressed readiness to provide the necessary support to the Armenians of Batumi for expanding scope of their cultural activities and their integration into larger Georgian society.

During the meeting, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia presented the Diocesan activities in general, appreciated the annual support of the Georgian authorities ensuring implementation of the Diocesan activities, emphasized the importance of joint cooperation between the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and the Georgian Orthodox Church in strengthening Georgian-Armenian ties and cooperation.

The meeting was held in a warm atmosphere.

On the same day the delegation of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, led by the Diocesan Primate, visited the Consulate General of Armenia to Batumi. A meeting was held with Consul General, Mr. Yeghishe Sargsyan, and the personnel of the Consulate.

Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan expressed his gratitude to the Consul General for the warm reception and hospitality, appreciated his active participation and involvement in church and community affairs, which unite the Armenians of Batumi and strengthen ties with the motherland.

Consul General, Mr. Yeghishe Sargsyan highly appreciated the activities of the Diocesan Primate in Adjara and highlighted a sense of excitement that prevails here during every visit. The Bishop presented the Diocesan activities within the whole territory of Georgia.

On the same day concluding his pontifical visit to Adjara, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan; and his delegation returned to Tbilisi.