HRAZDAN, MAY 18, NOYAN TAPAN. Works of restoration of the Surb Karapet church of the Jrarat district of the marz center (Hrazdan) of Kotayk will be finished the next year. Works being continued already for more than a year are implemented on the initiative and under the patronage of Ashot Gevorgian, a former inhabitant of the city of Hrazdan, living at present in Moscow. It is envisaged to re-open the church during the celebrations dedicated to the 180th anniversary of foundation of Jrarat. Stepan and Grigor, sons of Melik Sheko, migrated here in 1827 founded in Jrarat (formerly the village of Melik or Rndamal). The Surb Karapet church which was built still in the 16th century was reconstucted by new settlers. But during the Soviet years, the church was made a storeroom, then was gradually destroyed. Fortunatly, the most part of stones of the church walls was kept and is used in the restoration works.

---