On Saturday, September 22, residents of Tsovinar village in Armenia’s Gegharkunik province gathered for the re-consecration of St. Mary Church, which was renovated this year thanks to the efforts of Mr. Hakob Hakobyan, a member of Armenia’s parliament.
Built in 1900 by Armenians from Moush, the church was used to store pesticide during the Soviet era. A second house of worship, the Chapel of St. George, was completely destroyed by the Soviet regime.
St. Mary Church will serve as a spiritual home for the 7,000 people who live in Tsovinar. Hundreds of people gathered last week to witness the consecration ceremony, which was performed by Bishop Markos Hovhannissyan, the Primate of the Diocese of Gegharkunik. At the conclusion of services, Mr. Hakobyan was awarded the “St. Gregory the Illuminator” medal and pontifical encyclical.
