On 11 May a delegation representing the Catholicosate of Cilicia left for Artzakh to inaugurate the “New Cilicia” village, a recently renovated intermediary school and 32 houses for young families and widows of the war. The repopulation of the village is a joint project between the government of Artzakh and the Catholicosate of Cilicia.

The seven-person delegation included Archbishops Sebouh Sarkissian (Prelate of Iran), Moushegh Mardirossian (Western Prelacy, USA), Bishop Papken Charian (Prelate of Isphahan), Messrs. Ara Demirdjian and Vahé Yakoubian (Members of the National Council of the Catholicosate), Mr. Yervant Papakhanian (representing the Diocese of Tehran), and Mr. Khatchik Dedeyan (Chancellor of the Catholicosate). Upon its arrival the delegation met with the President of the Republic of Artzakh, Pago Sahakian. After receiving the good wishes and blessings of His Holiness Aram I, the president thanked the Catholicos and hoped that the cooperation to repopulate the “New Cilicia” village will continue”.  

The delegation then left for “New Cilicia,” accompanied by the Prime Minister, Ara Haroutunian. At the village the mayor, the director of the school and the residents met the visitors. After inaugurating the school, the delegation presented a Letter of Blessings from Catholicos Aram I. In his letter the Catholicos wrote, “Karabagh regained its independence because of the sacrifice of our people. Sustaining this young Republic is a major responsibility and requires careful planning. The current projects of the Catholicosate of Cilicia reflect its commitment to strengthening Karabagh.”  

After the speeches of the prime minister, the mayor of “Cilicia Village” and the director of the school, the delegation announced the decision of the Catholicosate of Cilicia to continue its cooperation with the government by constructing a kindergarten, a health clinic, a social centre and a church.