On December 7, RA Deputy Minister of Diaspora Serzh Srapionyan received Mitropolit Nikoloz of the Georgian Orthodox Church in Akhalkalak and Gumurdo, who was accompanied by Vicar of the General Prelacy of Samtskhe-Javakhk and Tsalka, Rev. Fr. Archimandrite Babken Salbiyan.

Welcoming Mitropolit Nikoloz to Armenia and particularly the Ministry of Diaspora, Serzh Srapionyan praised the centuries-old friendship between Georgia and Armenia and particularly emphasized the close cultural relations.

In his turn, Mitropolit Nikoloz expressed gratitude for the cordial reception and emphasized that even though this was not his first visit to Armenia, but it was his first official visit. “True, this is not my first visit to Yerevan, but your city astounded me in all regards, especially the spiritual centers. What amazed me was the worship of your people towards St. Mary and the abundance of churches dedicated to her,” Mitropolit Nikoloz mentioned.

The participants of the meeting also discussed the opportunities for the implementation of joint programs for further revitalization of cultural and spiritual life in Akhalkalak. His Holiness suggested organizing a permanent exhibition in Akhalkalak that would showcase the works by contemporary Georgian and Armenian painters. “My dream is to have a museum symbolizing the cultural ties between the two nations in Akhalkalak,” he noted.

At the end, the Deputy Minister of Diaspora praised Mitropolit Nikoloz’s generosity towards the Armenian Church and the Armenians of Samtskhe-Javakhk and voiced hope that this meeting would lay the foundation for active and fruitful partnership.