"To the Homeland" Pilgrimage of Youth of Armenian Diocese in Georgia

With the blessing and assistance of His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the support of the church's devoted benefactor David Babayan, and the initiative of Deacon Gevorg Avetisyan, a pilgrimage titled "To the Homeland" took place from March 28-31, 2025, with 30 young people traveling to Armenia. It was organized within the framework of the "Conversation with Youth" project by Deacon Gevorg Avetisyan in the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Georgia. The goal of the project was to provide spiritual experiences and invaluable visits to the homeland during the Great Lent.

On the first day of the pilgrimage, the sunny city of Yerevan welcomed the pilgrims with the unique manuscripts of the Matenadaran and the lively atmosphere of Mashtots Avenue. The group explored the capital’s architectural monuments with guidance from the "Best Friends Tour" tourist organization. In the evening, a spiritual discussion on the topic 'God’s Will' enriched the day’s unforgettable experiences.

On the second day, dedicated to historical sites, the young people paid their respects at Tsitsernakaberd to the memory of the canonized victims of the genocide. At Charents Arch, they enjoyed a majestic view of Ararat, complemented by ethnographic songs and recitations. In Garni and Geghard, they not only felt the breath of history but also participated in the evening service. At the end of the day, a meaningful conversation and spiritual discussion on various topics took place, with the participation of Deacon Tovmas Arakelyan.

After participating in the Divine Liturgy at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the young pilgrims received the blessing of His Holiness the Patriarch, which served as an inspiration for them to embrace their Christian faith. The young Armenians from Tbilisi participated in a joint prayer at the St. Gayane and St. Hripsime monasteries. During the day, they explored the cozy St. Astvatsatsin Church in Yeghvard, and they concluded the evening in Bjni with a gathering filled with national songs and dances.

The visit of the young people to Yerablur, where they bowed in reverence to the memory of the heroes who died for the homeland, was a moment filled with sorrow and sadness. The young pilgrims from Tbilisi also visited St. Mesrop Mashtots Church in Oshakan and were at Hovhannavank. Their final stop was Bash-Aparan, where they visited Dro’s monument.

For the youth of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, this pilgrimage was not just a journey, but also a rediscovery of their spiritual and national identity.

We express special thanks to the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, the faithful of the Church, Davit Babayan, the guides, and Deacon Gevorg Avetisyan, who succeeded in uniting the young people and creating a spiritual family full of unforgettable memories.