20 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARTSAKH DIOCESE’ REOPENING WILL BE CELEBRATED WITH GREAT MAGNIFICENCE

NKR Government Information and Public Relations Department
August 19, 2009

Yesterday, a sitting of the state commission on organization of
celebration of Armenian Apostolic Church’s Artsakh Diocese’ Reopening
20 th anniversary took place. At the sitting the list, the schedule
and the place of festive arrangements’ conduction were justified.

The main arrangements, which coincide with the Holiday of Varaga
Saint Cross, will take place on September 27 and 28. 20 years ago,
on that festive day the reopening of Artsakh Dioces was heralded by
consecration of Gandzasar.

The Leader of Artsakh Dioces informed that invitations for
participation in the celebrations were received by His Holiness
Catholicos of All Armenians, the RA state officials, and prominent
benefactors.

On September 27, at 11 o’clock in Gandzasar holy mass will be served.

The next day in the morning, His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians
Garegin II will meet with the teaching staff and students of Artsakh
University. Presentation of books like "Artsakhi Diocese" and
"Gandzasar" will take place in the university hall. The same day,
in the evening, a solemn meeting with speeches and presentation of
the activity during 20 years by Spiritual Leader of Artsakh Diocese
will take place in Stepanakert Culture and Youth Palace , a film
telling about foundation of the diocese will be demonstrated. It
will be followed by spiritual concert. On those days exhibitions of
pictures and books published by the diocese will be organized in the
halls of the Culture and Youth Place.

The commission adopted the Culture and Youth Affairs Minister’s
proposal within the framework of the arrangements to organize meetings
of priesthood with pupils.

The state commission considered it worthwhile on September 27 to
broadcast the holy mass on Artsakh Public TV. Corresponding proposal
will be made to Armenian television channels too. Representatives of
foreign mass media means will be invited to elucidate the celebration.