ST ASTVATSATSIN CHURCH RE-CONSECRATED
ArmenPress
Aug 3 2005
ETCHMIADZIN, AUGUST 3, ARMENPRESS: Archbishop Vazgen Mirzakhanian,
the leader of Georgian Diocese of Armenian Church traveled to the
village of Metz Samsar in the Akhalkalaki region of the southern
Georgia to re-consecrate St Astvatsatsin (Virgin) church on August 1.
Armenian Catholicosate said the church was reconstructed by the funds
provided by a Russia-based Samvel Barseghian, a grandson of priest
Barsegh who was the founder of the Samsar village. Georgian member
of parliament Hamlet Movsisian, Akhalkalaki mayor Nairi Iritsian and
others were present at the ceremony.
Metz Samsar village was founded by priest Barsegh in 1848. The St
Astvatsatsin church was built in 1850s and an earthquake in 1899
affected it heavily but in 1902 with the efforts of local population
it was restored. Besides the village has churches and khachkars
(cross-stones) dating back to 11-13th century.