On October 8, a cross-stone was solemnly consecrated in the yard of Holy Zion Church in Tsughrut village of Akhaltskha. The dream of legendary football player Armen Sargsyan’s family turned into a reality with the blessing of Vicar of the General Prelacy of Samtskhe-Javakheti Babgen Salbiyan and through a donation by Leningrad-based Hrachya Poghosyan.

Armen Sargsyan used to play for the team Ararat-73 and helped the team score a victory in 1973. He was a mid-fielder.

When Armen Sargsyan became ill, his wife, who is from Akhaltskha, remembered that her grandmother had cured an incurable illness at a cathedral located at the top of Tsughrut village. After not being able to walk for 13 years, the old lady came down from the cathedral by foot…

Believing in the miracle that had happened, the Sargsyans also decided to go to the Holy Mother Armenian cathedral to restore something or place a cross-stone. To solve the organizational issues and overcome the financial difficulties, the family addressed their friends and acquaintances with a letter. Journalist Manana Hakobyan responded to the letter and addressed Leningrad-based benefactor Hrachya Poghosyan.

Hrachya assumed the task and turned Armen’s family’s dream into a reality. The family’s friends in France, Zoya and Rubik Galstanyan also responded.

Thus, everyone came and placed a wonderful Armenian cross-stone in the yard of Holy Zion Church of Tshughrut village since they hadn’t received permission from the local authorities to place the cross-stone near the Holy Mother cathedral (14^th century St. Mary Armenian cathedral).

On October 7, with the accompaniment of clergymen of Akhalkalak, Akhaltskha and Tsalka region, all the pilgrims climbed to the top of the cathedral where they said their prayer.

The next day, the clergymen were joined by spiritual father of Akhaltskha Hakob, who consecrated the cross-stone placed in the yard of the church. The ceremony was followed by a sacrifice.

Unfortunately, benefactor Hrachya Poghosyan didn’t attend the event. Everyone was happy and content with the fact that their desire had turned into a reality. Let us mention that representatives of local authorities, prominent figures of the Armenian community and the faithful of Tsughrut participated in all these ceremonies.

Press divan of the General Prelacy of Javakheti

http://akhaltskha.net