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PILGRIMS GATHER AT 4TH CENTURY ARMENIAN CHURCH IN DAGESTAN
Noyan Tapan
Aug 28, 2009
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.
Noyan Tapan
Aug 28, 2009
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.