On April 22, 2018, a commemorative event took place in “Rafael Javakh” Cultural, Educational and Youth Center in Ninotsminda (Armenian Diocese in Georgia). It was dedicated to the great poets of Western Armenia, victims of the Armenian Genocide Daniel Varoujan, Siamanto, Ruben Sevak and others, whose immortal poetry is the pride of our literature. As a wonderful addition, great writer of nostalgia William Saroyan was included as condensation of our national tragedy, crier of kindness, humanity and Armenian eternity…
During the event, the students of the “Paonas” club of the Center, led by Satik Snkhchyan, presented not only Western Armenian poets, who became victims of the Genocide, their literary paths, but also the famous representative of world literature William Saroyan, his sayings, plays and stories which expressed the whole humanism and love of the writer.
The success of the event was largely conditioned not only by the mastery of the students, but also by the beautiful musical arrangement, which was performed by the Center's Choirmaster Irina Gharslyan.
Head of the Center Zhora Snkhchyan and Pastor of the region Rev. Father Armash Poghosyan praised the participants of the event.
On April 23, on the eve of the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, students and pedagogical staff of the Cultural, Educational and Youth Center of Ninotsminda, led by “Zori Zoryan” Youth Union participated in the traditional torchlight march.
The march started from the Youth Center of Ninotsminda. The marchers called on the authorities to recognize and condemn the Armenian Genocide, moved towards the Saint Sargis church, where they took part in the Divine Liturgy dedicated to the memory of the innocent victims, lit candles and prayed to God for the peace of the souls of canonized martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. A large crowd joined the march from the church courtyard. With many appeals and calls, the marchers burned “Eternal” torches and moved to Ninotsminda Youth Palace, chanting “Recognition” and “Retribution”. The marchers were waving flags of Armenia and Georgia, carrying posters with the letterings “The Great Genocide is waiting for justice”, “Denial is the continuation of genocide”.
In the yard of the Youth Center, Gevorg Antonyan, student of the Center read the appeal of the “Zori Zoryan” Youth Union, in which highlighted the right of claim of the Armenian people and restoration of historical justice.
On April 24, Rev. Father Armash Poghosyan, Pastor of the Saint Sargis church in Ninotsminda (Samtskhe – Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia) celebrated a Divine Liturgy, which was attended by the heads and officials of the region, public figures. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the faithful, led by clergymen and the diaconate moved to the memorial to victims of the Armenian Genocide. After the Intercessional Prayer the attendees laid flowers at the memorial.