Number of Armenian churches in Georgia reduces

YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS: From over the 650 churches, monasteries and chapels built in the Armenian-populated territories of Georgia only some of them remained. An official from the CIS department of the Armenian Diaspora Ministry told Armenpress that currently 44 churches are standing in Georgia of which just 38 are functioning.

The greatest number of churches (14) is operating in Akhalkalak and its regions. In Akhaltskha and its regions 9 churches are functioning, in Tsalka and Ninotsminda 4 and in Borjomi 2 churches. In Aspindza, Tetritskharo and Batumi only one church is functioning.

In the capital of Georgia Tbilisi only two churches are functioning – St. Gevorg founded in 631 and St. Etchmiadzin founded in 1805.

Chairman of the “Javakhq” National Union Shirak Torosyan told Armenpress that the state of Georgia must recognize the Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Church that does not have legal status yet. Only in that case it will be possible to direct the Armenian churches that are being Georgianized in the territory of the whole Georgia.

“Previously the Georgian authorities were promising that the religions of minorities would be granted legal status. Today it is already clear that stubborn fight is expected for the Georgian Armenians,” Torosyan said.

He also noted that the situation of churches in Javakhq is comparatively consoling as about 20-30 churches have been restored with the means of Javakhq businessmen. But there is another issue there: as far as it is closely populated territory it must have a separate diocese.