YEREVAN - On December 1, the ceremony of blessing of the founding of the Church of St. Sarkis in the village of Marmarashen, Masis region, was performed by His Grace Bp. Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese.

In the past there was a church in the village, but, unfortunately, during the period of Soviet rule, it fell into disrepair. During the ceremony, 16 pieces, which had been brought from the old church, washed with water and wine, and consecrated with holy chrism, received the names of 12 Apostles and 4 Evangelists, and were installed in the foundation of the new church.

The new church is being built within the framework of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion of Armenia. The church's Benefactor is Mr. Sergey Kazarian, an Armenian presently living in Moscow.

Rev. Fr. Ashot Mnatsakanian, assistant to the Executive Secretary of the Ecclesiastical Commission of the 1700th Anniversary; reverend fathers serving in the Church of St. Sarkis in Yerevan; Mr. Sashik Hakobian, the mayor of the town of Masis, Mr. Edik Hakobian, the Governor of Marmarashen village; representatives of the local authorities; and Mr. Armen Gevorgian, the President of the Armenian Community of Ajaria, attended the ceremony.