Armenian Fund Continues Work At St. Etchmiadznin And Parakar School

[Ashot]

The Armenia Fund continues Work at St. Etchmiadzin Church and Parakar School

 

 

The Armenia Fund announces that work continues at the St. Etchmiadzin Church and the Parakar Art School. The 200-year-old St. Etchmiadzin Church of Tbilisi had been through challenging times. Frequent earthquakes and construction of the underground in Tbilisi had caused more damage to the already fragile building. In order to halt further progression of the damage, the Argentina affiliate of the Armenia Fund and the US West Coast Diocese of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin launched the building’s reinforcement project, which was completed in February 2007 and resulted in considerable improvements in the building’s state.

 

Within the second stage of the project, which started in early November 2007, internal refurbishment and more reinforcement works are being carried out. The activities are due to complete at the end of 2008.

 

“We are looking forward to the completion of the reconstruction when the church will reopen to visitors,” Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan says. “It feels good to know that The Armenia Fund is contributing to the recovery of this fabulous historic monument, one of the glories that Armenians are so proud of. This project is not just about saving a cultural monument, it is a valuable contribution to the cultural and spiritual life of the Georgian-Armenian community in Tbilisi,” said The Armenia Fund executive director Vahe Aghabegians.

 

Months ago, students and staff of the Parakar Art School located on the outskirts of Yerevan started their new academic year in a bright and welcoming building. The one-storey building of the school was not safe to study in after the 1988 earthquake. Funds raised by The Armenia Fund French affiliate helped reconstruct the school. Thanks to this initiative, the school eventually acquired a concert hall, classrooms for painting, ceramics and brass band. Within the follow up project, the school will get essentials including tables, desks, cupboards, blackboards, curtains and hangers. The copy machine, stereo system and computer tables, as well as facilities for carpet-making and tapestry classes will come as an additional surprise. “Hopefully, the inspiring environment of the school will unlock the potential of our children,” pointed out Almast Svajyan, head of the Parakar School.