THE ARMENIA FUND CONTINUES WORK AT ST. ETCHMIADZIN CHURCH AND PARAKAR SCHOOL
armradio.am
09.01.2008 12:20
The Armenia Fund announces that work continues at the St. Etchmiadzin
Church and the Parakar Art School. The 200-year-old St. Etchmiadzin
Church of Tbilisi had been through challenging times. Frequent
earthquakes and construction of the underground in Tbilisi had caused
more damage to the already fragile building. In order to halt further
progression of the damage, the Argentina affiliate of the Armenia Fund
and the US West Coast Diocese of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
launched the building’s reinforcement project, which was completed
in February 2007 and resulted in considerable improvements in the
building’s state.
Within the second stage of the project, which started in early November
2007, internal refurbishment and more reinforcement works are being
carried out. The activities are due to complete at the end of 2008.
"We are looking forward to the completion of the reconstruction
when the church will reopen to visitors," Primate of the Armenian
Diocese in Georgia Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan says. "It feels good
to know that The Armenia Fund is contributing to the recovery of this
fabulous historic monument, one of the glories that Armenians are so
proud of. This project is not just about saving a cultural monument,
it is a valuable contribution to the cultural and spiritual life of
the Georgian-Armenian community in Tbilisi," said The Armenia Fund
executive director Vahe Aghabegians.
Months ago, students and staff of the Parakar Art School located on
the outskirts of Yerevan started their new academic year in a bright
and welcoming building. The one-storey building of the school was
not safe to study in after the 1988 earthquake. Funds raised by The
Armenia Fund French affiliate helped reconstruct the school. Thanks
to this initiative, the school eventually acquired a concert hall,
classrooms for painting, ceramics and brass band. Within the follow
up project, the school will get essentials including tables, desks,
cupboards, blackboards, curtains and hangers. The copy machine, stereo
system and computer tables, as well as facilities for carpet-making
and tapestry classes will come as an additional surprise.
"Hopefully, the inspiring environment of the school will unlock the
potential of our children," pointed out Almast Svajyan, head of the
Parakar School.