Akhtala


The estate-farm and monastery of the princes of the Gugark world have been known to historians since the 5th century. In later centuries, when copper mines were discovered here, Agarak was renamed Pghndzahank, and the monastery was renamed Pghndzahank Monastery. The settlement and church named Akhtala have been mentioned in historical sources since the 14th century.
 

The Holy Mother of God monastery in Akhtala


"Me, Mariam, daughter of Kyurike, have erected a bronze altar to the Holy Mother of God. You who worship, remember my prayer to us.” The khachkar with this inscription, created by order of Princess Mariam, is in the courtyard of Akhtala; it is the de facto passport of the monastery. The khachkar, made in 1188, is tangible evidence of attempts by foreigners, especially Georgians, to appropriate the monastery at different times and of the settlement of disputes. The Akhtala monastery is the largest monastery in the region named after the Mother of God. It is also one of the richest monasteries in frescoes: 960 square meters of unique medieval frescoes have come down to us, which have never been restored in 800 years.

The Holy Savior church of Gyumri


The Church of the Holy Savior, considered one of the symbols of Gyumri, celebrates the 150th anniversary of its construction this year. It is said that the people of Gyumri dreamed of having a church similar to the Mother Cathedral of Ai and began collecting donations for its construction in the 1850s. The church, built in 1873 with great difficulties and expectations, ceased to function in the 1930s under the coercion of the Soviet authorities, and in 1937 the Bolsheviks blew up the bell tower. The final blow to the Church of the Holy Savior was the devastating earthquake of 1988, when the church collapsed. After many years of restoration, the restoration of the Church of the Holy Savior was completed in 2024 and was reconsecrated under the auspices of the Armenian Patriarch.

"Menk" NGO teaches ethnographic dances


There are three ethnographic dance groups within the "Menk" educational and cultural NGO: basic, amateur, and children's. They not only master ethnographic dances, but are also well-versed in their semantics and have undertaken a mission to spread and teach our dances, from remote villages to the capital.

Preparation for the Mother Cathedral re-consecration and blessing of the Holy Muron ceremonies


For the Mother Cathedral re-consecration and blessing of the Holy Muron to be held on September 28, 29, new church festive outfits are embroidered and sewn with Armenian ornaments. The works of restoration of church accessories and dishes of the Mother Cathedral are performed by the best specialists.

 

The mission of the Cathedral Choir


The choir of the Mother Cathedral, which has a rich history of decades, is preparing for the nationwide important events to be held on September 28, 29, during which the choir will take an important part. The Mother Cathedral will be re-consecrated by their singing and the ceremony of blessing of the Holy Muron will be performed.

 

"Golden generation" summer camp


From June 11 to July 7, the "Miasin" NGO organized a "Golden Generation" socio-educational summer camp in Tsaghkadzor for people aged 63-79 who were forcibly displaced from Artsakh. The purpose of the program is to draw the public's attention to the problems of the elderly, to provide social-psychological support, to contribute to their healthy lifestyle, and to organize a useful and interesting daily routine. The project was implemented through the "Mission Armenia" charitable non-governmental organization and with the financing of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The revival of Artsakh's original song club


Artsakh original song club was founded by Julietta Arustamyan with her guitar class students in Shushi. They went through several wars together, after being deported to Armenia they are trying to get tools again, to create, to dream of returning to Artsakh. The club now operates in the territory of "Open Platform", the musicians are also supported by composer Areg Nazaryan.

"Uru" band's new songs will soon flood the Internet


"Uru" band songs will soon be available on all social platforms. The band was formed under the leadership of the famous rock musician Arik Grigoryan in the workshops of Tumo. In the last year, the group performs with an expanded composition and expanded repertoire. Eight different personalities united around one idea create in Armenian and write music based on the works of Armenian poets.

Lusine Zakaryan


She was the first who not only performed spiritual songs, medieval verses, hymns, but also performed them on international stages. She was the soloist of the cathedral choir for more than 30 years. The film presents the merits of Lusine Zakaryan and the five-year activity of the house museum named after her.

"Degh" alternative rock band


"Degh" alternative rock band will perform new works
 
The alternative rock group "Degh" is preparing to release an album of its famous and popular works. The group is currently working on new compositions as well. In 2010, the "Degh" alternative rock band, formed by Robert Khudaverdyan, Ashot Danielyan and Hakob Torgomyan, left the scene after several years of active activity. Two years ago, the group returned with a different composition and continues to create.

"Vanakan" Rock Band


"Vanakan" will release a new song
 
"Vanakan" rock band is going to release a new song and shoot videos in the near future. The group has a history of only a few years, but managed to acquire an army of fans. The members of "Vanakan" group simultaneously work in other places and invest their earned money for the development of the group.