On May 26, 2018, at “Surb Grigor Narekatsi” (“Saint Gregory of Narek”) Spiritual, Educational, Cultural and Youth Center in Rustavi, an event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia and summery of one-year activity of the Center was held.
The occasion was honored with the presence of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, accompanied by Deacon Gevorg Antonyan, Director of the Press Department Susanna Khachatryan, cameraman – photographer Gevorg Poghosov. Young people, schoolchildren, their parents and numerous guests were present at the event.
The event started with the Lord's Prayer and blessings offered by Diocesan Primate. An event, entitled “My Armenia” and dedicated to the Motherland took place. The event was organized on the initiative of Center's student, 11th grader of N23 Georgian Public School Sergo Zadoyan, and presented with participation of Victoria Sakanyan, Kristina Tirobyan, Anna Badalyan, Arthur Sazvandzyan David Sazvandzyan and other active young people.
Participants of the literary and musical montage presented Armenia's historical pages, geographical location, ancient temples and churches, capitals and provinces. The event was a nice tour with beautiful speech and video throughout the Homeland, its past, present and glorious vision of bright future.
Center's students wore t-shirts with picture of Saint Gregory of Narek, gifted by the Godfather of the Church Cross Gary Nalbandyan; such clothing made their look and performances more beautiful.
Patriotic poems of Armenian authors sounded, Armenian dances and wonderful songs were performed, making the event an expression of pride and love for Motherland.
The celebration of Center's anniversary was remarkable. “Saint Gregory of Narek” Spiritual, Educational, Cultural and Youth Center of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia operates only one year. During that period, the doors of the Center, located in the 18th building, Kostava Street, were always open. Here every day lively activity was prevailed – classes of the duduk and dhol, song and dance groups, Sunday school, lectures for young people, Divine Liturgies, Daily Services, celebrations of national and church feasts, exhibitions, festivals, anniversaries… The Center has became the place, where Armenians of Rustavi get together, get acquainted with each other, get closer to national culture, learn the native language, pray with their whole heart.
It was time to see the result of work done. The celebration dedicated to the anniversary became the demonstration of a summary of Center's one-year activities, which were very effective – Divine Liturgies are celebrating, many students of different ages studying native language at Saint Yeghishe Sunday School thanks to devoted efforts of teacher Margarita Shatarevyan, local visitors learn about their spiritual, cultural and historical heritage. “Berkri” Choir, led by Choirmaster Inna Davitashvili, performs spiritual and national songs. Students of “Nemrut” Dance Ensemble dance “Kochari”, thanks to Choreographer Stella Selepanova's efforts, duduk and dhol groups present their performances led by teacher Robert Kashavanidze and Ivane Mkrtchyan. The festive event has become a demonstration of Center's activities and it proves that the latter in properly way fulfills its mission of preservation and development of spiritual, cultural and historical heritage, as well as uniting people around the church.
At the conclusion of the event, Rev. Father Narek Ghushchyan, Caretaker of the Spiritual Center thanked Center’s personnel, students, their parents, for whom the Center became home, center for consolidation and Armenian Church as well as Armenian education and upbringing.
At the end, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan offered his blessings to attendees and expressed appreciation. Center, established just one year ago, through properly organized activities brings together Armenian young people in Rustavi, inspires them to maintain their spiritual, cultural and historical heritage. Diocesan Primate concluded his speech expressing hope that the number of Center’s groups will be increased. His Grace delivered a message to preserve and properly present Armenian culture in Rustavi.
At the end of celebration a festive cake was delivered to people.