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Big Celebrations Planned For NKR Cathedral's 770th Anniversary

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  • Big Celebrations Planned For NKR Cathedral's 770th Anniversary

    BIG CELEBRATIONS PLANNED FOR NKR CATHEDRAL'S 770TH ANNIVERSARY

    Tert.am
    14:44 ~U 02.04.10

    This year will see the 770th anniversary of the St. John the Baptist
    Cathedral in Gandzasar Monastery located in the Mardakert District
    of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR), about two hours drive from
    the capital city of Stepanakert.

    Nagorno-Karabakh's religious and secular leaders have decided to
    celebrate the occasion as a big event, since the cathedral is of
    great importance to NKR's cultural life.

    Upon NKR Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan's decision and with
    the blessing of the head of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian
    Apostolic Church, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, a joint governmental
    and diocesan committee has been created to plan and organize the
    festivities. The committee includes members of clergy, ministers,
    high-ranking officials, professors, and journalists.

    Headed by NKR Finance Minister and Deputy PM Spartak Tevosyan, the
    committee held its first session on March 30, discussed the proposals
    and developed the festivities' main program, which will include a
    series of cultural and educational events such as concerts, exhibits,
    conferences, and the making of a film.

    According to the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
    on July 11, the day when Vardavar is celebrated, Archbishop Pargev
    Martirosyan will offer a solemn festive liturgy in Gandzasar
    Monastery. The NKR Defense Army is also planned to be included in
    the festivities.

    The foundations of the Cathedral were laid in 1216 by Prince Hasan
    Jalal Vakhtangian, a powerful Armenian feudal lord who referred to
    himself as Grand Prince, Prince of Princes and King (tagavor). Prince
    Hasan Jalal relates to one of the most ancient aristocratic families
    in world history-the Arranshahiks-who ruled eastern Armenian lands
    since early medieval times, if not well before.

    The opening ceremony of the church took place on July 22, 1240.
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