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?

The first exhibition with the Louvre Museum opened at the History Museum


16 masterpieces of medieval spiritual art have been brought from the Louvre to the History Museum of Armenia. They are displayed alongside about 20 exhibits from the History Museum, one of which is on loan from the treasures of Holy Etchmiadzin. The silver reliquary of the Apostle Bartholomew, made in Van in the tenth century. The reliquary contains the relic of the Apostle Bartholomew, one of the first enlighteners of Armenia. The general theme is: Sacred Dialogue. From the Louvre to the History Museum of Armenia.

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.

Complete Hakob Oshakan: issues and solutions


Both during the Soviet years and during the period of independence, Hakob Oshakan's books were rarely published in Armenia. The "Diaspora" scientific and educational center has undertaken the publication of his complete works. Two volumes have already been published. Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan, Arkmenik Nikoghosyan and Knarik Abrahamyan talk about Hakob Oshakan's literature and this initiative in the "Parallel Readings" program.

Narek of the Seven Wounds Church


Narek has attended the Liturgies at the Seven Wounds Church with his grandmother since he was a child. Today, he already wears a vest and goes up to the altar. Narek's day is full and interesting. He loves to sing, play sports, and walk around his beloved city.

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?

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.

A festive liturgy was served at the Holy Cross Church in Arabkir


A festive Liturgy was served at the Holy Cross Church in Arabkir on the occasion of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Holy Cross in Arabkir was built on the initiative of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with the philanthropy of Louise Simone Manukyan. The architect of the church is Artak Ghulyan.

 

Pilgrimage participants departed from the Saghmosavank Monastery with prayers to the Holy Cross and the Altar of Hope


On the eve of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Diocese of Aragatsotn, the youth of the diocese gathered in the courtyard of Saghmosavank under the leadership of spiritual shepherds. The participants of the pilgrimage, carrying cross-stitches and singing hymns, set off on foot to the Holy Cross and the Altar of Hope. They covered about 5 km of the way with prayers and songs. They conveyed the good news of the holiday to the residents of neighboring settlements.

Honored Ballet Artist Suzanna Pirumyan


Ballet dancer Syuzanna Pirumyan has been an artist of the Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet Theater since the age of 18. She has been the theater's leading soloist for about twenty years. For years, she has been involved in the development of Armenian ballet and the education of a new generation. Art critic Anahit Margaryan's guest at "Artfocus" is Honored Artist, ballet dancer Syuzanna Pirumyan.

Vardan Grigoryan's historical novels and the modernity of the genre


September 5 marks the 75th anniversary of the talented historical novelist Vardan Grigoryan. He lived only 38 years, but his historical novels “Eternal Return”, “The Century of Destruction” and especially “Manya Ayrk” changed the description of the genre in our country and determined its further developments. What innovations did he bring and are his historical novels and the genre in general relevant? These questions are discussed in the “Parallel Readings” program with literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan.