DERBEND, AUGUST 28, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. Over the ages, pilgrims have traveled to the settlement of Nyugdi, 37 km from Derbend, to an Armenian church dating back to the 4th century in order to show respect for Saint Grigoris - the grandchild of Gregory the Illuminator who established Christianity in Armenia in 301 A.D. - and worship his remains. This year Saint Grigoris Church was more crowded than ever: about 500 believers from Derbend, Makhachkala, Karabaghli, Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Chelenokumsk and other places had arrived. The event was organized by the Armenian community of Derbend under the guidance of Victor Danielian and the Armenian Apostolic Church, Armyanskaya Panorama paper of Armenians in Stavropol and Terek reported. The divine service was held by Father Sargis Poghosian - the spiritual leader of Armenians in Dagestan (Russia) and priest of St Vardan Church in the city of Kislovodsk. Addressing those present, he appealed for peace and agreement on the fertle soil of Dagestan and thanked all those who have contributed to the restoration of this ancient church for the future generations. Then a celebration took place in the church yard to the accompaniment of duduk (Armenian national pipe) and with the participation of Nor Dar dance ensemble from Kislovodsk.

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