PILGRIMAGE TO NORAVANK

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
13 April 05

On the occasion of the 1600th anniversary of invention of the Armenian
alphabet the RA Ministry of Culture and Youth organized a pilgrimage
to Saint Noravank which is located on a picturesque hill near the
tributary of the river Arpa, Gnishkajur. For centuries Noravank has
been a center of Armenian culture, learning and especially
architecture. The monastery always stood up for national unity and
liberation struggle; it was a pillar of the Armenian Apostolic
Church. Supported by the NKR Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport
30 representatives of 8 youth organizations of Artsakh participated in
the pilgrimage too. The head of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian
Apostolic Church Parghev Martirossian Archbishop Parghev Martirossian
also participated in the pilgrimage. The pilgrimage was aimed at
bringing together the youth, drawing their attention to spiritual,
cultural and national values. There was a great number of young people
from Armenia and Javakhq. The Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II
gave his blessing to the pilgrims. A solemn mass was held, thousands
of candles were lit, Armenian songs and music sounded around the
monastery till late in the evening.

LAURA GRIGORIAN.
13-04-2005

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress