St. Karapet Church Re-consecrated in Gandza Village, Ninotsminda Region

On November 13, 2025, the St. Karapet Church in the village of Gandza, Ninotsminda region, was re-consecrated following its renovation.

The re-consecration of this ancient yet fully restored church was performed by His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, with the participation of Rev. Father Archimandrite Nshan Hmayakyan, Prelate at Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka’s General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. The renovation works were carried out thanks to the generosity of church faithful and benefactor Arayik Hakobyan.

After the Opening of the Door (Drnbatsek) Service, Rev. Father Armash Poghosyan and Rev. Father  Tadeos Ter-Mkrtchyan washed the Holy Altar, the Baptismal Font, and the sixteen columns of the church with water and wine. Afterwards, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan performed the re-consecration of the church with the Holy Chrism (Myuron).

In his message of blessing, the Primate congratulated the people of Gandza on the opportunity to once again offer prayers, participate in liturgical services, and hold traditional spiritual and community ceremonies in their renovated and beautifully restored church. Highly appreciating the heartfelt devotion of the benefactor, a native of Gandza now residing in Russia, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan read and conveyed the Letter of Blessing to Arayik Hakobyan.

After the conclusion of the ceremony, the guests, accompanied by Rev. Father Gevorg Asatryan, Pastor of St. Karapet Church, visited the House-Museum of the great Armenian lyric poet Vahan Teryan.

St. Karapet Church of Gandza village was founded in 1859 through the support and efforts of the local Armenians, under the leadership of Priest Grigor (the grandfather of Vahan Teryan). Built of finely hewn stone, it is a domed church and is considered one of the most beautiful churches of the region in terms of its architectural design. The church has been active and has continuously served the spiritual needs of the community.

Press Department of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia