With the blessing and support of His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the assistance of the church’s devoted benefactor Davit Babayan and Best Friends Tour, and the initiative of the Reverend Deacon Gevorg Avetisyan, the spring pilgrimage “Towards Armenia” was carried out on March 28–31, 2025, with the participation of 30 young people.
During the period of Great Lent, this pilgrimage held deep significance for the Georgian-Armenian youth, aiming to strengthen both national identity and spiritual faith.
On the first day of the pilgrimage, sunny Yerevan welcomed the pilgrims with the unique manuscripts of the Matenadaran and the spirit of Mashtots Avenue. The capital's architectural monuments and the city tour organized by Best Friends Tour left a lasting impression, and the evening concluded with a spiritual conversation on the topic of “God’s Will.”
The second day was dedicated to historical sites. At Tsitsernakaberd, the youth paid tribute to the canonized martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. At the Charents Arch, they admired the majestic view of Mount Ararat, accompanied by ethnographic songs and recitations. In Garni and Geghard, they not only felt the breath of history but also participated in the evening liturgical service. The day concluded with an intimate spiritual discussion, joined by Evangelist Tovmas Arakelyan.
After participating in the Divine Liturgy at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the youth received the blessing of the Catholicos of All Armenians, which served as further inspiration in their Christian faith. The Tbilisi-Armenian youth also joined in communal prayer at the Saint Gayane and Saint Hripsime Monasteries. During the day, they discovered the charming Church of the Holy Mother of God in Yeghvard, and the evening culminated in a festive gathering in Bjni, filled with national songs and dances.
Their visit to Yerablur was a moment of sorrow and solemnity, as they bowed in respect to the memory of heroes martyred for the homeland. The young pilgrims from Tbilisi also visited the Church of Saint Mesrop Mashtots in Oshakan and made a stop at Hovhannavank. Their final destination was Bash-Aparan, at the memorial of Dro (Drastamat Kanayan).
For the youth of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, this pilgrimage was not merely a journey—it was a rediscovery of their spiritual and national identity.