Pilgrims gather at 4th century Armenian church in Dagestan
28-08-2009 20:00:00 | Ռուսաստան | Social
DERBEND, AUGUST 28, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. Over the
ages, pilgrims have traveled to the settlement of Nyugdi, 37 km
from Derbend, to an Armenian church dating back to the 4th
century in order to show respect for Saint Grigoris - the
grandchild of Gregory the Illuminator who established
Christianity in Armenia in 301 A.D. - and worship his remains.
This year Saint Grigoris Church was more crowded than ever:
about 500 believers from Derbend, Makhachkala, Karabaghli,
Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Chelenokumsk and other places had
arrived. The event was organized by the Armenian community of
Derbend under the guidance of Victor Danielian and the Armenian
Apostolic Church, Armyanskaya Panorama paper of Armenians in
Stavropol and Terek reported.
The divine service was held by Father Sargis Poghosian -
the spiritual leader of Armenians in Dagestan (Russia) and
priest of St Vardan Church in the city of Kislovodsk. Addressing
those present, he appealed for peace and agreement on the fertle
soil of Dagestan and thanked all those who have contributed to
the restoration of this ancient church for the future
generations.
Then a celebration took place in the church yard to the
accompaniment of duduk (Armenian national pipe) and with the
participation of Nor Dar dance ensemble from Kislovodsk.