Traditional dolma festival was held in Tbilisi

On October 9, 2022, in Tbilisi, the Dolma festival, which has become traditional in the Armenian community, was held in the Cathedral of Saint George of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

The festival was held at the initiative of the Association of Armenian Women in Georgia ''Shushanik”, with the support of the Headquarters of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, church-loving women of Saint George, and "Hayartun" Center.

Under the presidency of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Rev. Father Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan and Rev. Father Archimandrite Zaven Yazichyan, Pastor of Shahumyan, Karmir (Red), and Akhkyorpi villages of Kvemo Kartli region, Sunday Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Father Virap Ghazaryan. Honorable Mr. Ashot Smbatyan, RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia attended the festive Divine Liturgy.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Rev. Father Archimandrite Zaven Yazichyan read the message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, by which the Armenian Patriarch highly appreciated Van Bayburtyan's activity and in accordance with the request of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Rev. Father Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan, awarded him with Saint Sahak and Saint Mesrop medals of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. Van Bayburdyan is the editor of the Armenian-language newsletter in Georgia “Vrastan” (“Georgia”), distinguished public, political, and community figure, a devoted follower of the Armenian Church, a multiple member of state and high spiritual institutions of Georgia, and Armenia, a dedicated supporter of Armenian-Georgian friendship, well-known Armenian, who was awarded high title of an honorable citizen of Tbilisi.

The Diocesan Primate Rev. Father Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan congratulated Van Bayburtyan, offering his blessing, and decorated his chest with the medal awarded by the Armenian Church.

The festive mood of the day continued in the courtyard of the church, where around three dozen pots of appetizing dolma of various types were presented by the Association of Armenian Women in Georgia ''Shushanik”, church-loving women of Saint George, members of Diocesan “Hayartun” and “House of Hovhannes Tumanyan” Centers, other organizations operating in the city, as well as numerous faithful.

After the blessings of Rev. Father and the congratulations of the state representative of the motherland, those present ate the national dish, enjoying the festive day.

The Association of Armenian Women in Georgia ''Shushanik” expresses gratitude to all supporters and festival participants.