President Sarkissian hosted Prelate of the Shirak Diocese Michael Archbishop Ajapahian: My purpose is to support Gyumri through small, big, every possible step

President Armen Sarkissian hosted today the Prelate of the Shirak Diocese Michael Archbishop Ajapahian.

The President congratulated the Prelate of the Shirak Diocese, who was recently ordained as a bishop, and noted that it was the assessment of his blessed years of dedication and love towards the Fatherland and the Church. Michael Archbishop Ajapahian in his turn congratulated Armen Sarkissian on the first anniversary of his election as President of Armenia and noted that he was greatly honored to be the first guest of the President in his new office. As a resident of Gyumri and the Prelate of the Shirak Diocese, Michael Archbishop Ajapahian gave special thanks to the President of Armenia for his constant attention towards Gyumri.

President Sarkissian informed on his conversation with the Secretary General of UNESCO to bring the center of Gyumri under the auspices of UNESCO.
“For me, this is a matter of principle since it will preclude any encroachment against historical structures,” President Sarkissian said. “Second, it will allow to attract some financing and international programs for the center of Gyumri town. My purpose is to support Gyumri through small, big, every possible step.”

Michael Archbishop Ajapahian noted that Gyumri needs this kind of high-level attention and concurred with the President of Armenia that the historical center of Gyumri needs to be preserved and brought back to its original historical appearance especially if there is an intention to develop tourism. The Prelate of the Shirak Diocese noted that along with all this, other problems of the town should be solved as well.

The President of Armenia highlighted the importance of employment in Gyumri. “You can give the best possible apartment to the person, but if he or she has no job, is not able to sustain the family, we know what will happen next. When people have adequate job, they are able to get an apartment or house by themselves,” President Sarkissian said.

Noting that today all favorable conditions and opportunities are in place, at least for addressing the issues for the coming two or three years, the interlocutors concurred that Gyumri through its potential could have a great contribution to the general development of Armenia.