A concert entitled "The Bells of Haghartsin" was organized at the Haghartsin Monastery Complex


At the suggestion of Arevik Beglaryan, a young composer and pianist living in Germany, a concert entitled “The Bells of Haghartsin” was organized in the refectory of the Haghartsin Monastery Complex. The pianist was born, raised, and received her musical education in Frankfurt am Main. She is a winner of competitions in Germany, has performed with the Frankfurt Philharmonic Orchestra, and at the Beethovenhaus Chamber Music Concert Hall in Bonn. In addition to the young pianist’s work dedicated to Haghartsin, gems of Armenian spiritual and classical music were also performed.

 

Aram Avetisyan


Aram Avetisyan lost both legs in 44 days. Now he moves around with prostheses. Aram is from the village of Achajur, grew up in a military family, all the men in the family - his father and four brothers - are military. After losing both legs, Aram is trying to live a full life. He and his friends modified and adapted the car for him. He can no longer serve in the military, but he works in a car workshop.

Believers celebrated the commemoration day of Saint George at the Marmarashen Church


Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, the Primate of the Diocese of Masyatsotn, blessed the faithful, asking for the saint's intercession for Armenia and the Church, which are experiencing difficult times. At the end of the liturgy, a celebration was organized in the church and a love meal was served.

The trial of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, Primate of the Shirak Diocese, has ended


The court will make a verdict on September 24, but the advocacy group does not hope that the court will make a fair decision. Otherwise, the case would have been sent to the Shirak regional court by jurisdiction. In addition, when extending the term of detention, the court did not take into account the age of the Bishop, the fact that he is a clergyman, or his personal characteristics. Bishop Michael noted that the prosecution has not addressed why he has not been accused of calling since 2020, moreover, the prosecutor's office has not previously seen grounds to initiate criminal proceedings, why did they decide to hastily arrest him in June?

Archpriest Michael faces punishment ranging from a fine to 5 years in prison


The investigation into the case of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, the Primate of the Shirak Diocese, has not been completed. The final hearing will continue on September 23, during which Archbishop Mikayel will make a speech. The defense lawyers believe that this case is a political order. They have petitioned to find the archbishop innocent and release him immediately.

The relic of Saint Stepanos the Proto-Deacon has been moved to the Nigavan church


On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the consecration of the Saint Stepanos Church in Nigavan, the relic of Saint Stepanos the Proto Deacon was transferred from the Mother See by the order of the Armenian Patriarch. The participants of the liturgy received communion and were granted the power emanating from the relic of Saint Stepanos the Proto Deacon.

Life after the war: Gevorg Hambardzumyan


23-year-old Gevorg Hambardzumyan, who suffered a severe brain injury, speaks with great difficulty, his hand does not work due to the brain injury, and walking has become difficult. After the war, during the rehabilitation phase, at the suggestion of a friend, he decided to continue training, but not in boxing, but in the field of para-arm wrestling. The former boxer returns to Armenia with laurels. He has more than 10 medals, which he won at the world and European para-arm wrestling championships.

Archbishop Michael stated in court that the government has been targeting him since 2018


Archbishop Michael believes that the biggest mistake of his life was made in 2018, when he welcomed Nikol Pashinyan, but when Pashinyan announced that he was becoming prime minister, he was against it. According to him, the change in the government's approach towards him began from that day. The Archbishop recalled that he spoke about the need to remove the government back in the days of the 2020 war, for six years, but not once did law enforcement officers see a criminal element in his words. He believes that this is a clear political persecution.

The Right Hand of Saint Aristakes, the Relic-Bearing Patriarch, was brought out to the Ecumenical Conference


The inter-church conference entitled “Living the Faith Today: Commemorating the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea” that began in the Mother See has concluded. A Sunday liturgy was held in the Mother Cathedral under the presiding authority of His Holiness the Catholicos of All Armenians. In celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, the relic-bearing Right Hand of Saint Aristakes, who participated in the Council on behalf of the Armenian Church, was brought out.

Participants of the Ecumenical Conference visited Khor Virap


The inter-church conference entitled “Living the Faith Today: Commemorating the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea” is being held in the Mother See under the chairmanship of His Holiness the Catholicos of All Armenians. Pilgrimages to the sacred holy sites of the Armenians are an integral part of the conference. The Council of Nicaea was of key importance for clarifying the canonical and legal provisions of the Universal Church and for enshrining confessional principles. This conference provides an opportunity for clergy from different churches to share their experiences and jointly reflect on the challenges facing the church.

Archbishop Michael Ajapahian's detention extended for another month


The bishop's detention period expires on September 6. The prosecutor has requested an extension of the period for another month, arguing that Bishop Michael, while at large, may commit a new crime. The defense attorneys noted that during the trial he could and did have the opportunity to speak to the media, but did not. Judge Armine Meliksetyan granted the prosecution's motion and extended the bishop's detention for another month. The next hearing is scheduled for September 15. Archbishop Michael faces a fine or up to 5 years in prison.

 

The trial in the case of Archpriest Michael has reached the stage of closing arguments


The trial began on August 15, two weeks ago. A court hearing has been scheduled almost every day, often continuing after business hours. The main hearings concluded last week, on August 25. The prosecution and defense presented their closing arguments at the August 28 hearing. The next court hearing is scheduled for September 2.