No matter where two Armenians meet, they will try to find links and turn the day of their meeting into a real celebration. By singing and dancing, they will prove that they must stick to their roots, and they still have a lot to do for the new generation.

On Feb. 23, the “Hayordats Tun” Armenian Youth Center hosted Krunk Armenian Youth Song-Dance Ensemble of “Ararat” ethnic-cultural autonomy in Tver region.

In her welcoming remarks, leader of “Ararat” autonomy Yelena Gevorgyan said the ensemble had decided to meet with Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Nor Nakhichevan and Russia, Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan after having been granted the title of “Folk Ensemble” by the Ministry of Culture of Tver. After meeting with His Holiness and receiving his blessing, Krunk Ensemble gave a concert at “Hayordats Tun” that began with poetry recited by the ensemble’s artistic director Araxi Kosik. The concert included performances of Armenian songs and dances, and the audience was so excited that it made the singers and dancers of “Hayordats Tun” get up on stage.

During the concert, the Armenians born in Tver and Moscow showed the audience that they are the bearers of the Armenian culture. Members of Krunk Ensemble and “Hayordats Tun” Armenian Youth Center had trouble finding a spot on the stage and had to form two circles, making the singer continue singing from the hall. Everyone was very excited, and it’s not by chance that Araxi Kosik said the following in the end: “Today was a real celebration with Armenians from different cities of Russia. We’ll never forget the excitement and such a warm reception.”

Spiritual leader of “Hayordats Tun”, Priest Arakel Amiryan addressed the gathered and said: “By God’s willing, there will be an Armenian church in Tver soon. When the church opens, our members will be your guests and will amaze you as you amazed us today. God bless you! May you show more talents.”

In the end, His Holiness distributed church calendars to the guests, and he donated a book about the creation of the diocese to “Ararat” autonomy.

Armine Kareyan

Moscow