It is a great pride and joy for us to be in Artsakh. Artsakh is also the symbol of the victory of our soul.

This is what Primate of the Diocese of Tavush region, Bishop Bagrat Galstyan told Artsakhpress. Galstyan is on a two-day visit to Artsakh.

“Two years ago, I was appointed leader of the Diocese in the Tavush region. Over the past two years, we have tried to enhance the Christian faith and empower all of our borderline villages. Throughout the years, we have managed to establish 43 special schools that not only provide a Christian education, but also offer arts and crafts and martial arts classes. We have over 2,100 pupils. There are 70 teachers. With our strong advocacy, we want to transmit the hope and faith of Christians to people. Our spiritual awareness helps us support people in social and economic life,” Bishop Bagrat Galstyan.

Talking about his visit to Artsakh, the leader of the Tavush Diocese also informed that their first stop was Gandzasar Monastery, after which they moved to Stepanakert, Shushi and Dadivank Monastery.

“After the end of the school year, we and our 55 teachers made a pilgrimage to Artsakh. Being in Artsakh is very important for us. Our teachers pay regular visits.

We also attended the solemn events dedicated to the 777^th anniversary of the consecration of the St. John the Baptist Church of Gandzasar,” Bishop Bagrat Galstyan said and talked about the schools that they have established in Tavush region. “Our village lacks clergymen. We have tried to select 70 of the 100 people presented after the special six-month courses from every village of Tavush region upon their desire, and they will be teaching at the schools. Most of those schools are very close to the border and are directly under fire.”

Talking about the Armenia-Diaspora relations, Bishop Bagrat Galstyan attached importance to the need for material assistance to such borderline villages.

“A new generation is growing up in the Diaspora. They are visiting Artsakh to see this wonderful land and get to know the people. Over the years, that generation will become aware of the need to help the homeland and return to the homeland. We need to create all the opportunities for people to make sure they feel proud to live in the homeland,” Bishop Bagrat Galstyan said.

Touching upon the issue of peace, he emphasized: We won the war. I wouldn’t like for us to lose with respect to peace.”