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Festive Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at the Mother Cathedral
On September 13, the festive Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—the last of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church and the principal feast dedicated to the Holy Cross—was celebrated at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. In his sermon, the celebrant, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, reflected on the historical origins of the Feast of the Exaltation and the life-giving power of the Cross.
In the evening, presided over by the Armenian Pontiff, the sacred relic of the Lord’s Cross—adorned with basil and flowers—was brought out of the Mother Cathedral, and the solemn ceremony of the Exaltation of the Cross and the Andastan service were performed.
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How a State Is Built and Dismantled
What does it mean when the incumbent government's program is unconstitutional, courts are adjudicating unconstitutional proceedings, and the citizen is left unprotected—yet is simultaneously the very source of power?
How are states dismantled and created, and why is an independent judicial system considered an essential attribute of statehood? What constitutes the usurpation of power, and what roles do the social contract and the media play in upholding democracy?
Anna Sargsyan spoke with public administration expert Hovhannes Avetisyan.
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Ashtarak "Youth Center" Choir ClassStudents in the choir class at the Ashtarak Youth Center know songs in foreign languages as well as Armenian "sharakans" (hymns). Their teacher is convinced that music can serve as a unique remedy for many people. |
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Court hearing on the "Sacred Struggle" case: expert clarifications
On September 10, the court hearing regarding the "Sacred Struggle" case continued at the Shengavit seat of the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction, where the court heard testimony from experts representing the Investigative Committee.
The defense team reiterated that the expert findings concerning weapons and ammunition had been added to the case file with the aim of misleading the public and generating publicity for the case.
The next hearing was scheduled for September 17 at 3:00 PM.
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Court hearing on the Sacred Struggle case: new decisions on preventive measures
On September 3, the regular court hearing on the Sacred Struggle case continued at the “Shengavit” residence of the Yerevan General Jurisdiction Criminal Court, during which experts from the Investigative Committee were questioned and issues of preventive measures for the accused were examined. By the court’s decision, Vahagn Chakhalyan was released from house arrest; administrative supervision was elected for him, and the term of house arrest of NA deputy Artur Sargsyan was extended for another month. The next court hearing was scheduled for September 10.
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Carpet-weaving class at the Youth CenterInterested in learning the secrets of carpet weaving? Or perhaps what challenges come with working with threads and looms? Or why people love wearing handmade carpet-woven pieces? We asked the students of the Carpet Weaving Class at the Youth Center in Etchmiadzin. |
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Dr. Anatoli GnuniPost-war Psychological and Physical Trauma Is Difficult to OvercomeReanimatologist-anesthesiologist Anatoly Gnuniy believes that overcoming post-war problems is more difficult than the war itself. Coping with the psychological and physical trauma left by war is extremely difficult. Dr. Gnuniy has lived through all three Artsakh wars. He speaks with particular warmth and gratitude about the doctors who served during the wars. |
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On the occasion of Artsakh Independence Day, a Prayer for Peace was held at the Mother Cathedral
On September 2, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Artsakh, a Prayer for Peace was held at the Mother Cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin under the leadership of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.
A prayer was offered for the forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh, the release of Armenian prisoners of war held in Baku, and the hostage leaders of Artsakh, as well as the memory of the brave soldiers who died in the Artsakh wars.
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Arabkir Youth Center Design ClassFlowers from broken plastic spoons, postcards from useless cardboard and sticks, and a stylish and colorful item from an old bag. There are no useless items in the design class at the Arabkir Youth Center. It is possible to make a unique object from anything. |
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Cases against the Armenian Church must definitely go to the European Court of Human Rights: expert
How do the illegal processes carried out by the state-legal system against the Armenian Church affect the international reputation of our state, especially when we are initiating EU membership? Is the government program, which contains an unconstitutional provision regarding interference in the internal autonomy of the Armenian Church, illegal? Can the Constitutional Court maintain its principles in this political situation and consider the government program unconstitutional? Anna Sargsyan spoke with Isabella Sargsyan, an international expert on freedom of religion and belief.
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The hearing on the Sacred Struggle case has been postponed
On August 27, the regular hearing on the “Sacred Struggle” case at the “Shengavit” residence of the Yerevan Criminal Court of General Jurisdiction was postponed due to the absence of the participants, in particular, due to the search being conducted at the apartment of the accused Tigran Galstyan. Judge Karen Farkhoyan scheduled the next hearing for September 3, at 3:30 p.m., during which the issue of preventive measures against Vahagn Chakhalyan and Igor Sargsyan will be examined.
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Nersisyans’ trial: defense party delivers speech
On August 27, the trial of the case of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II’s brother, Gevorg Nersisyan, and his son, Hambardzum Nersisyan, continued at the Armavir Regional Court of First Instance, where the defense party delivered its closing statement.
According to attorney Emin Khachatryan, the accusations are in fact devoid of factual basis, and as the attorneys have repeatedly emphasized, the case is based on political direction directed against the Armenian Apostolic Church. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 28, during which attorney Ara Zohrabyan will deliver his closing statement.
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