Farewell event

On June 16, 2019, under the presidency of the Diocesan Primate, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, Rev. Father Zaven Yazichyan, Pastor of Karmir (Red) and Aghkyorpi villages in Marneuli region, celebrated a Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of Saint George, in Tbilisi. At the conclusion of the event, the faithful gathered in the church courtyard to take part in the farewell event dedicated to the end of Vazgen Bishop's spiritual service as the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

The church courtyard was crowded with people. In attendance were diplomats of the RA Embassy in Georgia, members of Georgian Parliament, heads of community organizations and Armenian non-governmental organizations, representatives of the Armenian community in Georgia.

Susanna Khachatryan, Director of Press and Media Department touched upon the activity carried out during the years of Diocesan Primate's devoted service: re-consecration of 60 churches in Armenian-populated regions of Georgia (including two churches in Tbilisi), a continuing struggle for return of ruined and confiscated churches, including trials, activity of established scientific, educational, cultural and youth centers the aim of which is to preserve Armenian culture, traditions, church rituals and celebrations, preserve, develop and spread the spiritual values.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Georgia Ruben Sadoyan, Georgian MP Davit Chichinadze, famous miniaturist Meruzhan Shahumyan highly appreciated the work done by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan during his spiritual service.

In his farewell speech, ENG His Grace Bishop Vazgen touched upon his appointment to serve in the Armenian Diocese in Georgia by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. He mentioned that his service in the Armenian Diocese in Georgia was accompanied by difficulties and achievements with the support of clergy, Diocesan officials and faithful. In his speech, Bishop Vazgen emphasized that today the Diocese is presented with stable activities, re-consecrated churches, clergy, Diocesan organizations, clear management system.

Concluding his spiritual service as the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the Diocesan Primate, under the presidency of the Catholicos of All Armenians, will return to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to continue his service.

Each beginning has its logical conclusion. His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan’s spiritual service in the Armenian Diocese in Georgia was a fruitful and effective, and it will always stay in the hearts of the faithful people.