YEREVAN - The rededication of Sourp Kevork of Moughni, which dates back to the 12th century, was held on Oct. 8. The ceremony was officiated by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

At 11 a.m. the Catholicos arrived at the outskirts of Moughni, and, in a beautiful gesture, came out of his car and walked about half a mile among the cheers of the students and children of Moughni and surrounding towns. At the gates of the monastery, His Holiness was welcomed by civil and religious authorities, headed by the governor of Arakadzotn region, Mr. Hrayr Karapetian.

Attending the religious ceremonies were Archbishops Shahe Ajemian, Datev Sarkisian, Mesrob Ashjian, Yeprem Tabakian, Barkev Mardirossian, Krikoris Bouniatian, Bishops Navasart Gjoyan and Arakel Karamian. The divine liturgy was celebrated by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian; the master of ceremonies was the vicar of Arakadzodn Diocese, V. Rev. Vazken Mirzakhanian. After the dedication service, Catholicos Karekin spoke about the place of St. George in the Armenian Christian Tradition, and commended Archbishop Ashjian for his endeavors to renovate the centuries-old monastery.

The speakers of the day included Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, V. Rev. Vazken Mirzakhanian The renovation of Sourp Kevork of Moughni was recently completed thanks to donations made by many friends of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, who has carefully followed the renovation process. In 1997, on the occasion of Archbishop Mesrob's 35th anniversary of ordination and 20th anniversary as Prelate, the Eastern Prelacy's Ladies Guild sponsored a banquet. The proceeds of that event were donated towards the renovation of this important monastic site, which throughout history has been a popular place for pilgrims.

The renovation of the church is now complete. Recently work was done within the monastery for a conference hall, library, and living quarters for monks. The surrounding gardens were beautified with the addition of a fountain and gazebo. The gardens will, in effect, be an open-air museum with khatchkars and stonework. "Some of the stones on display," said Archbishop Ashjian, "are 2500 years old."

A special area has been planted with orchard trees, thanks to the Armenian Assembly's Tree Project, and will be dedicated to the late Catholicos, His Holiness Karekin I.

The rededication was set to coincide with the Feast of St. George and, as expected, many of the donors to this project came from New York, New Jersey, Providence, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Munster, Indiana and other cities to attend the services. The library was donated by Mrs. Sosie Khatchikian, in memory of her late husband, Dr. Rouben Khatchikian; the gazebo was a gift of the Souren Papazian family in memory of the "Kaghtzrahayiatz" monastery of Havav, the native village of Mr. Papazian; the century-old fountain was reconstructed by Dr & Mrs. Aram Semerjian. Among other donors were the Prelacy Ladies Guild, Mrs. Silva Zadourian, Mr. & Mrs. Mourat Nersesian, Mr. Cezar Chekijian, Dr. & Mrs. Vahakn Agbabian and many others.

At the and of the divine liturgy, the religious procession led by Archbishop Shahe Ajemian proceeded to the monastery courtyard, where together with Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, who was holding the right-hand relic of St. George and other bishops, the traditional "harissa" or "keshkek" was blessed. Twelve huge cauldrons of the "keshkek" were later distributed by the HMEM. Boy Scouts, who, as was the tradition in Lebanon and Syria, helped to maintain order.

It was a beautiful and unforgettable day, which was concluded with a "hantes," during which the local schoolchildren and the "Maratouk" dance group cheered the crowd.

` Special thanks are due to Mr. & Mrs. Vartkes Markarian of Providence, RI., who were in Armenia for the unveiling of the bust of the late Catholicos Karekin I in Holy Etchmiadzin. They also offered 1600 commemorative crosses and also defrayed the costs of the "hokehatz" and the daylong programs.