In March 2015, the funds donated to the Armenian Diocese in Georgia through the RA Ministry of Diaspora made possible the acquisition of a building to establish a cultural, educational and youth center in the city of Batumi.

The advisor of the Minister of Diaspora, Mr. Stepan Petrosyan and the head of the Department of Nearby Communities, Mr. Taron Shagoyan, arrived in Georgia in order to implement the Government’s plan. Honored guests joined Father Ter-Ararat Gumbalyan and RA Consul General Aram Grigoryan in Batumi, the capital of Adjara, where they had acquired the aforementioned property.

Currently, Saturday and Sunday schools and a choir are located in Saint Savior Church (built in 1885). The new building will provide new opportunities for opening a preschool and youth center where different creative classes can be offered.

The Primate of the Diocese, invited guests and the church council decided to name the center after the great Armenian benefactor, Alexander Mantashev. The Primate of the Diocese thanked the Armenian Government on behalf of the Adjara community for providing support. The Diocese contacted the Jinishian Memorial Foundation to provide support for conducting the repairs of the center.

The clergy and the consulate of Adjara look forward to opening the doors of the center to children and art enthusiasts in September 2015.