Identity stamp


Holy Etchmiadzin is the first state-built sanctuary in the Christian world, the first central-domed cross-shaped church in the pan-Christian culture. The construction of the Mother Cathedral was completed in 303. The church has seen numerous disasters, renovations and reconstructions. 
The major renovation of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, completed in 2024, was the most extensive in modern history. It began with the foundations of the cathedral and ended with the two-pointed cross on the main dome. More than 2,600 square meters of frescoes were restored.

Christmas concert program


"Shoghakat" presents a festive concert program with performances by Armenian choirs and orchestras on the occasion of Christmas.

Clay angels, bells


Potter Tatev Ghaltakhchyan believes that angels have auspicious meaning for Christmas, and they herald peace and good news, while bells represent a new beginning. She creates all the symbols of Christmas using clay: bells, candles, angels, and fir trees.

New Year huts


Liana Hayrapetyan makes breathing New Year's huts out of wood. The author believes that her New Year's huts are like fairy tales. According to her, they convey peace, tranquility, security, and warmth. The author is convinced that people live in huts because there is always a lamp burning inside, which gives light, love, and warmth.

Museum soldier-Shahen Khachatryan


This year marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Shahen Khachatryan, Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia, who directed the Martiros Saryan House-Museum for about 38 years and the National Gallery of Armenia for 11 years. The film tells the details of the art critic’s life and activities, how he was beaten at school for reciting Charents, then became a swimming champion and only years later returned to culture. The film contains exclusive episodes about the closeness between Shahen Khachatryan and Martiros Saryan, the Master’s appointment of him as the director of the museum and the granting of a unique honorary title.

"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.

Rev. Fr. Benjamin Tsaturyan, the priest displaced from Artsakh


Reverend Fr. Benjamin Tsaturyan went through war, siege and exile with the people of Artsakh. Now he has joined the service in the Masyatsotn Diocese. The topic of the family's daily conversations is Artsakh, their native Astghashen, from which they were forced to leave the entire village in one day.

Rev. Fr. Vachagan Gyurdjian, the priest displaced from Artsakh


Fr. Vachagan, the last priest ordained in Stepanakert's Holy Mother of God church, has his roots from Martakert. He was undergoing a 40-day preparation in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin when the Azerbaijanis blocked the road leading to their native Artsakh, and the long-term siege began. Despite the difficulties, he manages to get to the place of service, Stepanakert's Holy Mother of God Church, and be with his compatriots during the difficult days of the siege. Now, like thousands of Artsakh residents, is in Armenia and trying to adapt to the new reality with his family.

Rev. Fr. Vardan Nersisyan, the priest displaced from Artsakh


Fr. Vardan has been serving in Artsakh since 2018. As a Spiritual Servant of the Defense Army, he participated in the 44-day war, was by the soldier's side in the military unit and in the trenches. He also served in the village of Shosh. After being forcibly displaced from Artsakh in 2023, Fr. Vardan is in Armenia with his family.

 

Mysterious candles made by Liana from Artsakh


Displaced from Artsakh, Liana continues to make candles in Armenia. It was hard to keep working, it was also hard not to work, but doing candle making is now more than important to stand out, not to break, to move forward in faith.

Festive toys and bags made by the hands of Artsakh residents


Displaced Artsakh residents continue to create in Armenia. "Working is also a way to overcome depression and pain, a form of struggle," assure Elina and Lilit.

Holy Mother of God of Kurds of Syunik


The settlement of Kurds has a centuries-old history. The Kurdish prince builds a church named after Holy Mother of God. In 1661, the church was repaired. During the Soviet years, it was turned into a warehouse. In 1958, the village moves to the southeast, to present-day Lernadzor, and the church remains the only living witness of the village. In May, 2022 excavations begin, the church is restored within a year. On September 9, 2023, the Holy Mother of God of Kurdistan will be re-consecrated. It was a real holiday for the people of Lernadzor: the beloved shrine got a second life. The people of Ghent Dzor share their emotions and stories.