Re-Consecration of Historic Church of Karmravor
14.10.2004
On September 12, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the faithful of the Diocese of Aragatsotn gathered in the city of Ashtarak in central Armenia, to participate in a joyous and memorable event. Through the generosity of Armenian benefactors from the United States, Mr. and Mrs. Ohannes Meguerian of Pennsylvania, the historic Church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Saint Mary Mother of God) was re-consecrated. One of the masterpieces of early VII century Armenian architecture, the church (commonly known as 'Karmravor') had been in dire need of renovation for most of the twentieth century due to neglect and non-use.
Prior to the celebration of Divine Liturgy, the celebrant, His Grace Bishop Paren Avedikian, Director of Administrative-Organizational Affairs of the Mother See, offered the consecration service in the presence of the benefactor, members of his family and hundreds of faithful. Assisting Bishop Paren was Rev. Fr. Torgom Tonikian, the Representative of the Catholicos of All Armenians for the Diocese of Aragatsotn.
Following the consecration service, Bishop Paren celebrated Divine Liturgy and afterwards congratulated the faithful in attendance on this memorable occasion. "This is an unforgettable day for all of us, as one more house of prayer is being opened in Armenia. It is our prayer to God that this magnificent church should always be a place where God and man will meet, where we can share our pains, concerns and joy with our Lord, where we can pray to our Savior and receive His Divine Grace through Holy Communion," noted His Grace in his sermon.
Father Torgom read the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II granted to the benefactor on this occasion. The Pontiff of All Armenians awarded Mr. Meguerian with the 'St. Nerses the Graceful' Medal of the Armenian Church in recognition for his dedication to the Mother Church and the Republic of Armenia.
The Pontifical Encyclical states in part, "Your significant contribution and spirit of participating in the great work of building churches, which received new vitality in the new millennium, and as a result of which you sponsored the renovation and restoration of the Church of St. Mary Mother of God, is the testimony of your patriotism, boundless filial love, devotion and loyalty to the Armenian Church and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. We confirm with joy that although living far from Armenia, you have the Homeland in your heart and you support your Motherland."
High-ranking clergymen, the Regional Governor of the Aragatsotn Region, many guests from the United States and hundreds of faithful attended the service and Divine Liturgy.
In celebration of this significant event in the life of the faithful of Aragatsotn, His Holiness Karekin II presided during a reception hosted at the Diocesan Headquarters Church of St. Mesrop Mashtots in Oshakan later that same evening.
