The 350th anniversary of the first printed Armenian Bible


The request of the RA Ministry of Culture to include the 350th anniversary of the first printed Armenian Bible in the UNESCO Calendar 2016-2017 was accepted. 
The first printed Bible in Armenian language was published in 1666 in Amsterdam with the efforts of Archimandrite Voskan Yerevantsi. Who were ther first Armenian publishers and what was the cost of their labor? 
The topic is discussed by Vardan Devrikyan, PhD in Philology and Father Ararat Poghosyan, Director of the Mother See Library.

 

The Church over the Years of Independence


Soviet time restrictions on religion were got rid of during the independence period, and new conditions for the Armenian Apostolic Church were made available. The legislative framework was positively changed. Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin reviewed the structure of dioceses, reestablished the canonical and administrative life, churches were constructed and renovated for the purpose of revitalizing spiritual life, religious literature started to be published, new priests were trained. How are the cultural, educational and religious functions reflected in the life of the nation? 
The topic is discussed by Father Asoghik Karapetyan and musician Vahan Artsruni. 

Holy Mother of God Church of Tatev Monastic Complex under renovation


Holy Mother of God Church of Tatev Monastic Complex is under renovation. The first stage of construction works is implemented in order to reopen the Northern entrance and restore the spring in its initial place. The construction works are performed within the scope of “Tatev Revival” program of IDeA Foundation.  
 

Relics of St. John the Baptists in St. Hovhannes Church of Byurakan


On the morning of September 1, the residents of Byurakan village, Aragatsotn Marz, and neighboring communities congregated in the area of Church. The relic of the Saint was brought to Byurakan from the Mother See on the Commemoration of St. John the Baptist. 
 

Divine Liturgy for the Remembrance of the Dead offered in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin


Yesterday, on August 14, the Feast of Assumption of the Mother of God was celebrated in all Armenian Churches, and today is the Remembrance Day of the Dead. Unlike previous years, this year it is a working day and perhaps that was the reason for fewer believers in the Mother Cathedral to attend the Divine Liturgy. 

Pontifical Prayer in Holy Etchmiadzin


On 21 August, in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin a special Pontifical Prayer Service was offered on the occasion of the birthday of Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch. 

Celebration of the Feast of Holy Resurrection in Kanaker-Zeitun District


The teachers and students of all 14 schools in Kanaker-Zeitun District were getting prepared to the Feast of Holy Resurrection for two months presenting handicraft, paintings, miniatures, concert and performances on the topic of Easter. 

Commemoration of establishing the sacrament of Communion


On Holy Thursday, Father Aghan Yernjakyan offered a Divine Liturgy in the Mother See to commemorate the establishment of the sacrament of Communion. A great number of believers visited the Mother Cathedral to get Holy Communion after the Lent and repentance. 

 

Finalization of charity program by the Armenian Diocese of Canada in Khachik village


Christian Youth Mission to Armenia (CYMA) of the Armenian Diocese of Canada finalized its activities in Khachik village of Vayots Dzor. The organization is functional since 1992. Every year, a group of Canadian Armenians arrive in Armenia and implement wide range of charity program. This year they rested in Khachik village. 
 

Summer Camp “Siranuish” in Vayots Dzor for children of borderland villages and DA officers


By the initiative of Archbishop Abraham Mkrtchyan, the Primate of Vayots Dzor Diocese, this year Summer Camp “Siranuish” hosted the children of borderland villages and officers of Artsakh Defense Army.
 

History of the Relations between the Armenian Apostolic and Roman Catholic Churches


Before the 20th century, not always the relations between the Armenian Church and Roman Catholic church were smooth. Due to the ecumenic movement originating in the 20th century the doctrinal disagreements were put aside and the two churches went to face each other for the sake of Christian brotherhood and common challenges. 
The topic is discussed by expert in religion Pargev Barseghyan and historian Vahe Torosyan. 
 

 

The Prospects of Syrian Conflict


6th year of Syrian war is now on its way. Syria has turned into a war platform, where interests of different states, nations, religious groups and even clans collide. Where does this conflict lead to, how does the Armenian diocese there survive?   
The topic is discussed by the Primate of Armenian Diocese in Damascus Bishop Armash Nalbandyan and expert in Arabic studies Hayk Kocharyan.