Armenian Language School in Tbilisi Has 30-Year History

With the blessing and support of His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, on June 8, 2025, a special event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Armenian Language School named after Saint Elias the Prophet took place at the Diocesan “Hayartun” Center.

His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, honored the celebration with his blessed presence. Among those in attendance were Henrikh Muradyan, President of the Union of Armenians in Georgia; Van Bayburtyan, Vice President and Editor of the “Vrastan” (Georgia) newspaper; teachers of the school Roza Zohrabyan and Nazeli Voskanyan; alumni and current students; as well as representatives of the Armenian community in Tbilisi.

The first Armenian language course in Georgia after the restoration of independence was established in 1994 through the initiative and blessing of the late Bishop Gevorg Seraydaryan, then Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

The Saint Elias the Prophet School brings together those who are unfamiliar with the Armenian alphabet and do not speak the Armenian language, protecting them from the risk of assimilation. It supports their journey to grow up as Armenians, to be raised with Armenian values, and to live in an Armenian spirit. By attending these classes, students explore the pages of the Armenian language, the history of the Armenian people and the Church, become acquainted with Armenian literary and historical prose, study Armenian poetry, and take pride in their national identity.

After the opening remarks by Eugenia Markosyan, Head of the Diocese’s Education Department, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan emphasized the important mission of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church: to deepen Christian faith among the community, unite people around the Church, preserve the Armenian language, promote Armenian culture, and pass down folk traditions to future generations. One of the ways this mission is fulfilled is through the dedicated work of the Sunday school.

The Bishop announced the Patriarchal Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, according to which, in response to the request of His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the distinguished teacher Roza Zohrabyan was awarded the Saint Nerses the Gracious (Nerses Shnorhali) Church Medal. The Bishop presented the medal to honorable teacher Roza Zohrabyan, who, since the very first day of the courses 30 years ago, has been teaching the beautiful Armenian language to Armenians of all ages and professions, organizing memorable events that have become a cherished part of the participants’ lives.

Currently, there are two Sunday schools operating in Tbilisi, with similar schools functioning in various other regions of Georgia. During the jubilee event, words of gratitude were expressed to His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, whose patriotic service, along with the support of the Diocese and his personal care, has fostered the growth of Armenian language courses. Appreciation was also expressed for Eugenia Markosyan, Director of the “Hayartun” Center, under whose supervision the school’s two-year program is implemented. Online congratulations were sent by the former Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Archbishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, and Sunday school graduate Marine Sargsyan.

The event was beautifully enhanced by piano performances from course graduates Karen Mirzoyan and Isai Abovyan. The celebration concluded with soulful performances by the “Hayartun” Center’s duduk ensemble, led by Ivane Mkrtchyan, and soloist Aida Bazoyan-Surmalyan.