Donation: a manifestation of love or a desecration of the body?


What is the body from the perspective of Christian doctrine? Father Archimandrite Ruben Zargaryan comments.

The Holy Savior Church of Aragatsavan was consecrated


The church was started to be built in 2011 through the efforts of philanthropist Hakob Sargsyan. Currently, a bell tower is being built next to the church, with a rectory. At the opening of the church, the Primate of the Aragatsotn Diocese, Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, urged the community residents to show daily love and care for the church, to keep it constantly filled with their presence, and to strengthen and strengthen others through deeds of faith.

First half of 2025


In Azerbaijan, including Artsakh, about half a million Armenians lived during the Soviet years. In the 90s, all Armenians were expelled from Azerbaijan and their property was confiscated. Why does the Armenian side not demand compensation? Why are claims against Azerbaijan in international courts important? What topics were discussed by the expert guests of the "Third Millennium" during the first six months of 2025?

The cross is the foundation of life


The cross is in full bloom in our churches because life flows from love, truth, and justice. Our fathers, when they depicted the cross, expressed their perception. The path of life is the path of love. Is the cross a content or a form in our life? Archimandrite Ruben Vardapet Zargaryan comments.

More than 60 children baptized in Gegharkunik on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross


On the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, more than 60 children were baptized in three churches of the Gegharkunik Diocese: Makenyak Monastery, Vardenis and the Holy Mother of God Church in the village of Mets Masrik. They had participated in Bible courses organized in the diocese. Switzerland-based Teresa Mkhitaryan presented baptismal crosses and the Holy Bible to the baptized.

 

The Church of the Holy Mother of God in the village of Nerkin Bazmaberd has been consecrated


The church was started to be built in 1991, thanks to the efforts of Henzel Yeghiazaryan, a resident of Nerkin Bazmaberd, who left for the front two years later. Due to financial difficulties, the construction of the church was stopped. In 2020, after the death of Henzel Yeghiazaryan, his children tried to continue the work started by their father, but due to the war, the construction was stopped again. In 2024, the Istanbul-Armenian philanthropist Yeprem Bagh took over the construction of the church and completed it.

 

Memory and security


Collective memory is a security tool that has an important component: what to forget. That is why Azerbaijan is erasing and completely destroying any symbol of Artsakh's statehood. After annexing Artsakh, Azerbaijan was the first to destroy the institutions reminiscent of statehood. It is destroying and re-editing the evidence of Armenians' centuries-old life in Artsakh - churches and historical and cultural monuments. Why is collective memory part of security? Anna Sargsyan spoke with ethnographer Ruzanna Tsaturyan.

The way to truth and life


How does Christ become our path and our companion on that same path? Father Ruben Vardapet Zargaryan comments.

The Church of the Holy Mother of God in Haghartsin, which has been inactive for over a century, has been reconsecrated


The Primate of the Aragatsotn Diocese, Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, anointed the holy altar, baptismal font, columns and cross of the church with holy light. The Holy Mother of God opened its doors to the residents of Haghartsin, Teghut, Hovk and neighboring communities. The church was built in 1848, but in 1902 the wooden roof collapsed. Khrimyan Hayrik allocated money to rebuild the church, but the money was spent on the needs of the poor. More than a century later, the church was rebuilt with the efforts of the residents of Haghartsin.

The 12th International Festival of Contemporary Art and Spiritual Films "Fresco" was held


It is a unique platform in the cultural life of Armenia, which combines art, spiritual, and humanitarian values. The festival was held from August 18 to September 5. In a number of cities of Lori and Kotayk regions and in Yerevan, people participated in concert evenings, which were followed by film viewings and discussions. The festival selected films that emphasize spiritual and humanitarian values, which preach love, kindness, peace, and perseverance in overcoming difficulties.

 

The architect presented a project to restore the St. Gevorg Church in Karashambi


The St. Gevorg Church of Karashambi is an exceptional structure. Partial excavations were last carried out in 1983. It now needs preservation, reinforcement and display. Only the northern part of the structure, with a cross-winged dome, is standing. The prayer house is built of black and light brown polished tuff. No solid information has been preserved about the date of construction. However, it is known that such a layout is typical of 7th century churches. The entrance and decoration of the structure also allowed experts to conclude that the prayer house was built in the 7th century.

Hope is a gift


What role can hope play in the life of a Christian, why is it considered a gift along with love and faith, why do we constantly ask the Lord to increase our hope, faith, and love? Father Ruben Vardapet Zargaryan comments.