"Akunk"'s new project: the songs and dances of "David of Sasun"


The "Akunk" ethnographic ensemble, which has a half-century history, presents songs and dances from all parts of historical Armenia. A few of the founding members have remained in the group, and it is they who pass on the decades-old traditions of Akunk to the newcomers. Currently, together with the group's artistic director, musicologist Artur Shahnazaryan, they are developing songs and dances from the epic "David of Sasun", which will soon be presented to the public.

Surgeons on the front lines


Thoracic surgeon Gevorg Voskanyan looks back on what a difficult and trying year 2020 was. Astghik MC was one of the first to open a Covid ward. The team of thoracic surgeons, working around the clock, voluntarily participated in the 44-day war.

Jrapi


Of the 311 km border between Armenia and Turkey, 72 km falls on Shirak province. Jrapi is one of 15 settlements in the province that has border status. The village was built in 1974. As a result of the construction of the Akhuryan reservoir, the villages of Nerkin and Verin Jrapi were merged and moved upstream.

A liturgy was served in the Armenian-Turkish border control zone on the Feast of Saint Gregory the Illuminator’s Commitment to the Pit


The Armenian-Turkish state border, which runs through the western part of the village of Haykadzor, is opened only three times a year, to visit the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church in Haykadzor. Through the mediation of the Shirak Diocese, under the supervision of Russian border guards, Armenian pilgrims are allowed to enter the monastery at specially designated times. Since the 1920s, the monastery has been surrounded by barbed wire, and free access to the church is prohibited.

 

Bagaran


The Armenian-Turkish villages are so close to each other that the Bagaran residents are forced to hear the mullah's voice several times a day. Although the border village of Bagaran has many worries and problems, houses are being built and new Armenian families are being formed.

Tigran and Albert (Jrvezh)


Young scribe Albert acsends the altar at the Holy Catholic Church in Jrvezh. His brother Tigran followed his example. Now they serve in the church with their brothers.

Tatev Khachatryan


Medical University student Tatev Khachatryan, during the 44-day war, voluntarily leaves for Artsakh with his friends and joins the emergency squad. She cannot remember the war she experienced and saw without emotion. After the war, she chose to become a psychiatrist.

Rev. Father Stepanos Margaryan


Why do we pray to the Lord for the fulfillment of our requests? Are the names of the clergy repeated?
Why did Christ have to go through death for our salvation? Is fasting during Lent obligatory? When we do not give alms to a beggar for drunkenness, are we thus thwarting evil?
The questions of viewers and users were answered by Father Stepanos Margaryan. Write your questions on the “Questions and Answers” ​​Facebook page.

Gevorg and Levon (Artashat)


Gevorg and Levon are classmates, they attend St. Hovhannes Church in Artashat, they go to the altar, they participate in the Liturgy. They eagerly await Sunday, they walk with friends, they play the guitar, they spend the day together.

His Holiness was awarded the first class Order of "Metropolitan of Moscow, St. Alexy"


On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin was presented the Order of the First Class of “Metropolitan of Moscow St. Alexy”, awarded by His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill I. The Patriarch of the Russian Church expressed his appreciation for the significant contribution of the Armenian Patriarch to the development of relations between the two Churches.

Karen Gasparyan


For Karen Gasparyan, an anesthesiologist and resuscitator who has been through the Artsakh wars, the 2020 war began with Covid; he volunteered to save patients from the very first day. He recalls the days and experiences of the 44-day war with emotion.

Tatul Altunyan State Song and Dance Ensemble


The Tatul Altunyan State Song and Dance Ensemble, founded in 1938, has a rich history. Over the decades, many renowned musicians and ballet masters have worked in the ensemble. Now, the ensemble, which has strong traditions, is creating its modern history.