PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN AND CATHOLICOS KAREKIN II TO LEAVE FOR CRIMEA

ARMENPRESS
JULY 28

President Serzh Sargsyan and Catholics of All Armenians, Karekin II,
will leave today for the Crimea in Ukraine to take part in a ceremony
marking the 650-th anniversary of foundation of Armenian Surb Khach
(Saint Cross) monastery.

The presidential press office told Armenpress that Ukrainian President
Viktor Yuschenko will also take part in the ceremony. The presidents
of Armenia and Ukraine will be present at the blessing ceremony of
the monastic complex that will be conducted by Karekin II.

Surb Khach complex is a remarkable pattern of medieval Armenian
architecture. It was the spiritual center of Crimean Armenians and
served for centuries as the residence of the local Bishops.

During the visit to the Crimea the Armenian president will have
conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart. Also Armenian and
Ukrainian culture ministries will sign a cooperation agreement up
to 2012.