Tashir to build a new church in Armenia

Tashir Group is scheduled to construct a new church of the Holy Martyrs (Srbots Naatakats) in the capital of Armenia. The project is being undertaken as part of the proceedings dedicated to the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which is widely recognised this year throughout the world.

On April 22, within the framework of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II held a consecration ceremony at the construction site in Komitas park in Yerevan. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Armenia, Serge Sargsyan; Serge Sargsyan, the Chairman of the State Commission for the coordination of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide; Tarpon Margaryan, the Mayor of Yerevan; and the president of Tashir Group, Samvel Karapetyan, together with other officials.

Serge Sargsyan: "The Church of the Holy Martyrs embodies the remembrance of all the innocent victims and martyrs, and will ensure our eternal memory."
The architect of the Church was Yerevan-born author Artak Ghulyan.

The wheelchair-friendly design includes a central dome with a four-cornered belfry, in addition to a room beneath the altar dedicated to the display of memorial relics. The complex also includes a two-storey museum and office building.

This year, as part of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Tashir Group will also enter into partnership with the international music festival MIDEM 2015, taking place over June 5 to 8 in Cannes (France). The festival will play host to leading musicians, artists, and producers as well as famous guests from throughout the world. As this year's country of honour, Armenia will also present its rich historical heritage at the festival through a variety of arts and entertainment.

Since its founding, Tashir Group has actively invested in social and charitable programmes, and also has significant experience in the building and reconstruction of churches and cathedrals both in Armenia and in Russia.

In 2001, Patriarch Alexis II awarded the president and founder of the Group, Samvel Karapetyan, with the Order of the Faithful Saint Prince Daniel Moscow II decree for the restoration of the church in the village of Nedelnoe, near Maloyaroslavets.

In 2012, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill awarded Samvel Karapetyan with the Order of the Russian Orthodox Church 'Glory and Honour' II decree for his contribution to the restoration of the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral of St Nicholas.

A year later, Samvel Karapetyan was awarded the highest tribute of the Armenian Apostolic Church - the Order of St. Gregory the Illuminator, for his contribution to the building of the Novo-Nakhichevan Cathedral and Temple complex, and of Russian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Moscow.

Samvel Karapetyan is currently leading a major reconstruction initiative of the Armenian Apostolic Church residence, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II in the Echmiadzin monastery. It includes the re-building of the residence itself, construction of new housing, a hall for official ceremonies and adjacent galleries, as well as general restoration and improvement of the overall temple area.