On March 17, 2021, at the initiative of director of Tbilisi Botanical Garden Jose Majineri and the ''House of Hovhannes Tumanyan'' Center for Science and Culture of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, a beautiful and symbolic event took place dedicated to Sergei Parajanov's memory, world-famous film director, worthy son of the Armenian nation. It was the talented film director's favorite pomegranate tree, the sapling of which was solemnly placed in Tbilisi Botanical Garden, particularly at the alley named after Italian playwright Tonino Guerra which contains rare saplings and which has been established at the initiative of the Embassy of Italy in Georgia.

The day was chosen not accidentally. On March 16 the great playwright was born, and March 17 became a day of friendship and strengthening of creative relations between world-famous Armenian and Italian film directors.

In the current situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, this beautiful and unique event with the warmth of light, love and beauty, brought to Tbilisi Botanical Garden the representatives of Armenian and Georgian art-loving communities, who appreciate friendship.

Diplomats of the RA Embassy in Georgia, employees of the municipality, representatives from state and public organizations, members of art-loving public attended the event.

The event was honored with the presence of Vicar of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Rev. Father Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan accompanied by Rev. Father Archimandrite Zaven Yazichyan, the Pastor of Kvemo Kartli region.

At the opening ceremony, Giorgi Tarkhnishvili, an employee of the Botanical Garden, expressed his gratitude to the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, personnel of the RA Embassy in Georgia, representatives of Armenian and Georgian communities, public figures, poets and singers and thanked them for enriching the alley named after Tonino Guerra with a symbol of friendship of Armenian and Georgian people, expressed in the memory of the great artist Sergo Parajanov.

Gohar Mkhitaryan-Mazmanyan, a staff member of ''House of Hovhannes Tumanyan'' Center for Science and Culture, spoke about Tbilisi as the center of people's friendship, love and beauty; recorded the undeniable and irreversible role of the glorious sons of Armenian people (Sayat-Nova, Hovhannes Tumanyan and Sergo Parajanov and others) in the development of art, beauty and love in this city. She also valued ''Vardaton'' (Feast of Roses) dedicated to Sayat-Nova, Hovhannes Tumanyan House-Museum and the ceremony of planting a pomegranate tree dedicated to the memory of Sergo Parajanov.

During the event, beautiful and interesting speeches were delivered by Van Bayburdyan, editor of ''Vrastan'' (''Georgia'') newsletter; poets Giorgi Botchorishvili, Gari Ghalamkarov, Artem Grigorents, Nana Nikoladze; actor Henrikh Petrosyan.

In should be mentioned that at the suggestion of Jose Majineri, each pomegranate tree, the saplings of which the film director had grown from pomegranate seeds in his house, will be named after Parajanov and actresses of his films: Baia, Sophiko, Lela, Gayane, and others…

It was decided to establish a house-museum named after Sergo Parajanov, to name one of the streets after the talented director, and to come together every year on March 17 in Tonino Guerra Alley, in Tbilisi Botanical Garden in order to remember and honor Sergo Parajanov.

It is Great Lent period in accordance with the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Calendar. On March 10, 2021, Great Lent divided into two parts because it was the 24th day. It is called Mijink, the Median Day of Great Lent. This church feast is celebrated with a number of many folk traditions and customs, for instance, baking bagharj (sweet unleavened cake) of gata (Armenian pastry). The churches of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia had properly prepared for the feast.

Rev. Father Archimandrite Zaven Yazichyan, Pastor of Kvemo Kartli region offered Requiem Service with the participation of clergy, under the presidency of Vicar of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Rev. Father Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan. The Diocesan Primate offered his blessings to the attendees and touched upon the mystery of the day.

Rev. Father Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan wished the faithful to pass the second half of Great Lent with love and faith; the second half of Great Len will last until the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ which this year will be celebrated on April 4th in accordance with the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Calendar.

Mijink was solemnly celebrated also at Saint Etchmiadzin church in Avlabari. After the ceremony in two Armenian churches in the capital of Georgia, the faithful were enjoyed Armenian gata by Godfather of church Yuri Yeremyan and Grigor Nalbandyan and became happy receiving blessed crosses as a surprise.

And the feast of Mijink turned into an Armenian gata festival at Saint Savior (Surb Prkich) church in Batumi and at Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy. The faithful had come to the evening service with different types of gata baked especially for that day. Delicious gata baked by housewives were blessed everywhere and given to the faithful.

Student of Saint Moses of Khoren (Surb Movses Khorenatsi) Preschool of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia took part in the joyful celebration of Mijink. Receiving blessings offered by Rev. Father Tatev Marukyan, they tasted delicious gata.

Blessed crosses, the surprises made by the Godfathers of cross, made the day of all the faithful from the youngest ones to the oldest, more festive and joyful.

On December 20, 2020, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Requiem Service was offered for the peace of souls of the heroes who martyred during the Artsakh war. The Service was offered in the Armenian churches under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The psalm ‘’Ter Voghormea’’ (Rosary) spread at the Cathedral of Saint George (Surb Gevork) and candles were lit in memory of our heroes. Requiem Service was offered under the presidency of the Vicar of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Rev. Father Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan and with the participation of clergy and deacons.

At the conclusion, Rev. Father Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan expressed gratitude to the memory of the thousands of soldiers, officers, commanders who consciously died in unequal battles for the defense of the Homeland. Rev. Father highly appreciated the role of the Armenians worldwide during these difficult and severe days for the Homeland, their consolidation and united support provided to Artsakh and Armenia.

Rev. Father urged the Armenians of Georgia to continue their support and to have their contribution with their modest donations and monthly payments in the activities of the foundation of long-term insurance for soldiers, supporting those families which have lost their sons, husbands, fathers, as well as those injured and disabled soldiers who now need long-term treatment and healing.

The Diocesan Primate concluded his speech by wishing peace to the world and health to the peoples.

Requiem Service was offered in the churches of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia in memory of the martyred soldiers who deceased protecting the borders of our homeland in Artsakh and Motherland.