Saint Alexandra Martyr Church opened in Gyumri

PanARMENIAN.Net - In 2008 Russia's defense ministry made a decision on restoration of the Saint Alexandra Martyr Orthodox monastery in Gyumri, and assigned means, the Embassy of Russia in Armenia reports.



Opening ceremony and consecration of the church, located on territory of Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri, took place on May 8.



As Embassy's press office reports, delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church headed by His Eminence Bishop Mark of Egorevsk, vicar of Holly Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia arrived at Armenia for conducting a ceremony.



The delegation of Russia's defense ministry, participating in the consecration ceremony, was headed by the secretary of state, deputy defense minister of Russian, General of Army Nikolay Pankov.



Ambassador of Russia to Armenia Nikolay Pavlov, governor of Armenia's Shirak region Lida Nanyan, mayor of Gyumri Vardan Ghukasyan, representatives of Armenia's defense ministry and command of Russian 102nd military base took part in the ceremony.



The first stone of the church was put by imperator Nicolay in 1837 with laying the fundament of the fortress. The monastery was consecrated in 1842. During hostility of 1918 with Turkish invaders the monastery was merely destroyed. The Saint Alexandra Мartyr Church in Gyumri was awarded a special status, and will be direct subordinate to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.