Khachkar Blessing in Memory of Grigor Safaryan in Tsughrut Village

On August 21, 2025, in the village of Tsughrut of the Akhaltsikhe region, Armenian Diocese in Georgia, a solemn blessing ceremony of a newly erected khachkar (cross-stone) took place in the courtyard of Saint Sion Church. The khachkar, crafted through the donation of Ruben and Edgar Safaryan, was dedicated to the memory of their father, Honored Teacher of the Republic of Armenia and renowned singer, Grigor Safaryan. The blessing of the newly erected khachkar with the Holy Muron (Chrism) was performed by His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

In attendance at the khachkar blessing ceremony were Rev. Father Archimandrite Nshan Hmayakyan, Prelate at Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka’s General Prelacy; Rev. Father Hakob Sahakyan, Pastor of Akhaltsikhe and spiritual superintendant of the Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi regions; and the Rev. Father Torgom Vandanian, Pastor of the nearby villages and towns of the Akhaltsikhe district. The event was also honored by the presence of Akhaltsikhe Mayor Irakli Lazarashvili, accompanied by high-ranking officials.

In his blessing address, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan reflected on the symbolic meaning of the khachkar, expressed words of appreciation to the benefactor brothers for honoring the memory of their parents, and congratulated those present on the unveiling of the ornamented khachkar erected in the church courtyard.

The day in Tsughrut village was made festive by a concert of the children’s “Nairi” dance ensemble, organized by the director of the dance ensemble Hakob Safaryan, the former student of the late Gagik Ginosyan.

The event concluded with a with a Matagh (Thanksgiving Animal Sacrifice) meal offered by brothers Ruben and Edgar Safaryan.