President Serzh Sargsyan left today for Tavush province where he attended the consecration of the newly built St. Hovhannes Church in Berd city along with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians on the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats Day).

The St. Hovhannes Church was built by Aygedzor construction firm with a donation from the late John Stevens of Fresno after the groundbreaking ceremony held on May 20, 2012. The architect of the church is Artak Ghulyan.

The Catholicos of All Armenians and the President were greeted by Prelate of the Armenian Diocese of Tavush, Archbishop Yeznik Petrosyan; Governor of Tavush province Hovik Abovyan; Mayor of Berd Harutyun Manucharyan; spiritual pastor of the Berd region, Priest Aram Mirzoyan, as well as representatives of the regional and municipal authorities. The residents of Berd greeted the Catholicos of All Armenians and the RA President with honor and great excitement in front of the newly built church. After the ceremony of giving salt and bread, His Holiness and RA President Serzh Sargsyan were led to the church to the sounds of the bells bringing good tidings and took part in the consecration of the marvelous church which had already begun.

A Divine Liturgy was served at the newly consecrated church for the first time.