ETCHMIADZIN, OCTOBER 18, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. The anointment ceremony of the Surb Mariam Astvatsatsin church of the village of Sarchapt, Tashir marz, was held recently with presiding the ceremony by Bishop Sepuh Chuljian, the primate of the Gugarats Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Chruch. The Surb table, the Surb Font, pillars of the church were anointed by His Holiness and with the participation of the clergymen. The first liturgy was celebrated at the newly-anointed church at the end of the this religious event. According to the information submitted to Noyan Tapan by the Information Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the church was built by charity of Azat and Anahit Martirosians, ones from Sarchapet living in Russia to whom, as an appreciation, the diocesan primate handed a Consecration Book and presented an icon. A christening celebration was held at the end of the Surb Liturgy during which numerous Armenian christians were christed. According to the same source, during the last years, the church construction got a new birth on the whole territory of the Gugarats Diocese, as a result of what new sanctuaries add near old ones. Construction of the Surb Grigor Narekatsi Church started in Vanadzor by charity of Mr. and Mrs. Sargis and Hrouth Bedevians about three years ago. The anointment order of the church cross and bell was already held by the primate of the Gugarats Diocese. The Surb Grigor Narekatsi Church will be anointed by Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians on October 23.

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