YEREVAN, JULY 29, ARMENPRESS. In St. Mary church of Karaduran village, located near Kessab, divine liturgy was served on the occasion of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In a conversation with “Armenpress” this was informed by Kessab-Armenian Karo Manchikyan, who added that after the liberation of Kessab and the return of the inhabitants this was the first liturgy. As for the custom of pouring water on each other, Manchikyan noted that there is water issue in Kessab, it is not available every day, people are using reservoirs, so this tradition was not followed. He also informed that the liturgy was served by priests Mashtots from Aleppo and Miro Avetisyan from Kessab. After the liturgy they called on Kessab-Armenians to stick firmly to their land.

The church of Karaduran, according to Manchikyan, was rebuilt with stones from Kessab 5-6 years ago.

In general, life in Kessab gradually begins to improve. "Every day, one or two families return to Kessab," he noted gladly, adding that in September, all Armenian schools will resume studies.