The Holy Savior Church was consecrated in Nizhni Novgorod by Prelate of the Armenian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Russia and Nor Nakhichevan, Father, Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan on May 25, reports the RA Embassy in the Russian Federation to “Hayern Aysor”.

Among those attending the ceremony were high-ranking guests, including RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation Oleg Yesayan, President of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan and high-ranking clergymen of Armenia.

RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation Oleg Yesayan, mitropolit Georgi of Nizhni Novgorod and Arzamas and President of the UAR Ara Abrahamyan gave speeches and congratulatory remarks. On behalf of the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Yezras thanked all the benefactors who had helped build the church. All the benefactors received gifts and letters of gratitude. A. Alekyan, who had laid the foundation for and had helped build the church, was granted the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal.

President of the UAR Ara Abrahamyan donated the golden icon of St. Mary on the occasion of the consecration and particularly mentioned the unique role of the Armenian Church in not only the preservation of faith, but also for the unity of the Armenian people.

On the same day, head of the Nizhni Novgorod region O. Kondrashov and mitropolit Georgi of Nizhni Novgorod and Arzamas participated in the opening ceremony of the newly built spiritual-enlightening museum. In his speech, Kondrashov mentioned the uniqueness of the Armenian church in Nizhni Novgorod. Kondrashov said this is a special event for the Armenian community and the church is not only a spiritual center, but also a center for the people and culture. A commemorative cross-stone dedicated to the Russian-Armenian friendship is placed in the yard of the newly built church and was consecrated by Father, Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan and mitropolit Georgi of Nizhni Novgorod and Arzamas.

Reference: The first Armenian Church in Nizhni Novgorod was built in 1828, but was destroyed completely nearly a 100 years later during the Soviet era. The new church was supposed to have been built in 1993, but only in 2008 did construction begin.