Archaeologists have begun excavations of the single-nave basilica church of St. Mariane in Vagharshapat


During the excavations, the foundations of the northern wall of the church were uncovered. According to experts, the initial assumption is that the cause of the destruction was wars and invasions. Six clay jars were found in the northeastern area of the monument. Two of the jars were damaged over time.

The premiere of Aram Shahbazyan's documentary film "The Capture of an Unnamed Height" took place


The film tells the story of the heroic deeds of the 25th Battalion of the Armenian National Army, which defended one of the heights of the Marjanlu area of Jrakan during the 44-day war in Artsakh. The strategically important Unnamed Height was defended by soldiers under the command of Major Edgar Matevosyan, also known as Matos. Some of the soldiers remained on the Height forever, while others were wounded and survived. The authors are planning to present the film at international festivals.

 

The relic of the Lord's Cross has been moved to the Holy Mother of God Church in Aragats


On the feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, a Liturgy was served at the Holy Mother of God Church in the village of Aragats, Aragatsotn Diocese. The officiating clergyman reflected on the gospel episode of the Transfiguration and spoke about the power of prayer for communicating with God.

 

Participants of the AGBU Focus 2025 program planted trees in the yard of the Armenian Youth Center in Malatia


The tree planting was initiated by the AGBU. The trees were provided free of charge by the Armenian Tree Project charitable foundation. Experts had previously studied the area and recommended low-maintenance plants suitable for the local climate.

 

A liturgy was served for prisoners and detainees at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Yerevan


The spiritual fathers urged to pray for the peace and unity of the country. The liturgies served these days are for the freedom of the captives, the spiritual fathers, and social solidarity. On June 5, a liturgy will be served in the Armenian Apostolic Church on the occasion of the feast of the discovery of the relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator. In order to withstand the trials of time and renew the covenant of faith, the spiritual fathers called everyone to prayer.

Applicants of the Gevorgyan Theological Seminary passed the exam in Armenian History


Through an interview, the applicants' knowledge of Christianity, the Armenian Church, and the Bible and their vocal data were tested. Applicants who passed the exams will begin the new academic year as seminarians. With the sponsorship of the Mother See and benefactors, education and accommodation at the seminary are free.

The mother church of the Sassounik church complex, the Holy Cross, is already ready


Currently, the interior decoration of the church is underway. Cross stones, sculptures and bas-reliefs with various evangelical plots will decorate the church, and the seventy-two stone crosses on the dome symbolize the disciples of Christ. Surb Khach is the first church in Sasunik. With the consistency of the diocesan Primate and the support of the patron Armenians, today numerous churches are being reconstructed and built in different communities of the Aragatsotn diocese.

 

A concert by the "Shoghakat" children's choir of the Nork Youth Center was held at the "Naregatsi" Art Institute


The “Shoghakat” children’s choir of the Nork Youth Center completed the academic year with a closing concert, which took place at the “Narekatsi” Art Institute. Children’s, spiritual, patriotic, and humorous songs were performed in Armenian and other languages. The eight Armenian Youth Centers, which operate with the support of the Mother See, AGBU, and church-loving Armenians, have a thirty-one-year history. Children attending these educational institutions learn to love and stand up for their state and mother church.

 

For the first time, the Nork Youth Center participated in the "World of Childhood" exhibition


There are six classes of decorative applied arts at the Nork Youth Center: batik, tuscarame, tapestry, pottery, carpet weaving, and wood carving. About 150 children study at the Youth center. Such classes operate in all eight Youth Centers. These classes regularly participate in thematic exhibitions.

 

The first round of admissions for applicants to the Gevorgyan Theological Seminary has begun


Applicants will take exams in the Armenian language, Armenian literature, and history of the Armenian people. This year, the number of applicants to the seminary has increased. Since 2016, the seminary has been providing a full three-level education: 4 years of bachelor's degree, 2 years of master's degree, and 3 years of postgraduate study. In Armenia, the Gevorgyan Theological Seminary is the only higher educational institution providing higher theological education. The second round of admissions will begin in August.

The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles


The Pentecost Service was celebrated by Bishop Vahan Hovhannisyan. The prayers of Saint John Voskeberan dedicated to the Holy Spirit were read. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to the apostles with the mission of preaching the great deeds of God, the word of the Gospel, and uniting people speaking different languages ​​in Christ.

 

Specialists restore fresco attributed to Naghash Hovnatan at St. Zoravor Church


Prior to the restoration of the fresco, studies were conducted, based on which specialists compiled a scientific-design package for the works. It was approved by the Ministry and the Mother See. The restoration is being carried out by “Restart 1” LLC, under the auspices of the “Amaryan Charitable Foundation”. The restoration of the fresco will take about two months.