The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the last of the five great feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church and is celebrated in memory of the return of Christ’s crucifixion wood from Persian captivity to Jerusalem and its erection on Golgotha. Hence the name of the feast — Exaltation of the Cross.

This year the feast was observed on September 14. In the churches and monasteries of the Tavush Diocese a liturgy was served for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross and the meaning of the feast was explained: above all, it signifies spiritual renewal through resurrection. According to Grigor Tatevatsi, the Cross became a bridge joining the chasm between heaven and earth, “the opener of paradise’s gates and the giver of the heavenly kingdom as an inheritance.”

To be crucified and to triumph, to die and to live forever. The Cross reminds us that one must fight, but wage a just war, because “You will win this war, because your cause is just.”

On September 13, at 06:44, the Crisis Management Center of the Tavush Regional Rescue Department received a report that a guesthouse was on fire near the Dilijan Medical Center.

Two fire-rescue crews from the Regional Rescue Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Rescue Service were dispatched to the scene.

It was found that the fire had broken out on the roof of a restaurant complex on Sayat-Nova Street, covering about 200 square meters.

The fire was localized at 07:50 and fully extinguished at 09:09. Approximately 25 square meters of the roof and 25 square meters of the attic were burned.

Rescuers carried out cleanup work on the roof structures. The spread of the fire to the restaurant was prevented.

As part of the “Law-abiding pedestrian” initiative launched on September 1 in schools across the republic, a series of meetings and discussions were recently held in the schools of Tavush Province.

Patrol officers and community police visited primary and high schools in various settlements of the province. During interactive sessions between students and police officers, students reviewed traffic rules and the consequences of violating them.

High school students also asked police officers questions regarding various antisocial behaviors and their consequences.

These school meetings, which will continue until October 1, contribute to building a collaborative environment between students and police officers, while also raising students’ legal awareness.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers matches between Armenia–Portugal and Armenia–Ireland, the stadium also became a place where dreams came true for the beneficiaries of the “Bridge of Hope” NGO. As part of the organization’s “Football for equal opportunities” project, children from Tavush and other regions of Armenia attended the matches, escorted the football players onto the field of the “Republican” stadium, and took part in the performance of the national anthem.

For the children, this was the very first time they stood on such a grand pitch, side by side with the players of the national team — and even world-famous football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Costa, and others.

“I never imagined I would meet Ronaldo and stand on a field like this,” said 13-year-old Mane from Dilijan. “It felt like a dream come true.”

“It was unexpected, everything felt so real, as if we were in a movie,” shared brothers Vahe and Volodya. “We saw our favorite players and wished them victory.”

The children’s participation added a special atmosphere to the matches: the field was filled with excitement, and the spectators in the stadium also began to feel the children’s energy and enthusiasm. For the “Bridge of Hope” organization, such initiatives are crucial not only for the social inclusion of children but also for society at large, as they show how big dreams can indeed come true. The children’s excitement and smiles have become beautiful memories — a bridge from small steps toward the path of great dreams.

Children in the village of Dovegh, Tavush Province, have once again not started the school year in a new building. The construction of the school, which began back in 2020, remains unfinished even after five years. While authorities insist the project is in an “active phase,” the completion date is still uncertain.

The “Fact-Checking Platform” examined the five-year odyssey surrounding Dovegh School’s construction.

The Beginning of Construction

Everything started in 2020, when the Urban Development Committee announced an open tender for the construction of a new school building for the village’s secondary school. Three companies participated:

“Kanjilstroy LLC” — 743.2 million AMD
“Gevorgyan and Nersisyan LLC” — around 900 million AMD
“T-Construction LLC” — 1.1 billion AMD

The winner was “Kanjilstroy”, which signed a contract on November 26, 2020, for 743 million AMD.

However, construction did not actually begin until two years later — in December 2022.

Why Was Construction Delayed?

FIP.am had applied to the Urban Development Committee with a request and asked why the start of construction work was delayed for two years. It turns out that the procurement competition and the selection of the construction site, an in-depth study of the school site were not conducted, complications arose, as a result of which the start of construction was delayed.

“The community proposed a territory divided into several plots for the construction of the school, but the weak community constructed a clarification of the boundaries of the plot. There was a need to locate the project on a plot with new boundaries. For this purpose, the positions of the school buildings and the stadium were changed. The construction of a high-rise retaining wall was mandatory for the construction of the school on the allocated land,” the Urban Development Committee provided as an explanation. We were interested in whether this means a correct assessment of the relief and soil conditions, which is not included in the announcement, and what additional funds from the state budget mean. In response, they are from Kaghshin and that the land allocated by the community was the only option, there was no alternative to that area in the village. The initial project was later changed and underwent changes, for example, the 7 m high retaining wall was replaced with a 12 m high reinforced concrete retaining wall, the initial cost set by the contract was increased by 400 million drams by the agreement signed in November 2023.

After the signing of the contract for the construction of the school, the positions of the stadium and buildings changed, and the need to build a high-rise retaining wall arose. Changes to the project and documentation are being delayed. The construction permit was issued only on December 22, 2022.

The cost of the school construction project, initially estimated at 743 million drams, is 1.2 billion drams.

Violations and court proceedings

On February 14, 2025, the Urban Development Committee unilaterally terminated its contract with “Kanjilstroy”, citing delays, poor quality, and missing documentation. “Kanjilstroy” appealed to court, halting construction, but in April the court rejected its claim. By then, the company had been paid 266 million AMD for completed work.

According to the Committee, “Kanjilstroy” was fined 244,000 AMD for violations and 122 million AMD was recovered as part of the contract’s performance and qualification security.

A new tender, a new contractor

After the failed cooperation with “Kanjilstroy”, the government twice announced urgent tenders in May 2025, but no bidders came forward. In June, the Committee bypassed the tender process and signed a direct contract with a new contractor. The new contractor, “Prom Group LLC”, undertook to complete the remaining work for 985 million AMD (down from the offered ceiling price of 1.055 billion AMD). They were given 365 calendar days to finish.

The Committee announced on July 4 that construction would finally be completed, urging “Prom Group LLC” to work quickly and with proper quality, building the school and retaining wall in parallel to mitigate risks.

Technical supervision — Old Issues, same company

Technical supervision is still being carried out by “Miknar LLC”, the same company responsible in the first stage. Its role is to record all phases in the construction logbook and ensure quality control.

However, FIP.am observed no representative from “Miknar” at the site and was denied access to the previous contractor’s construction logbook, which the Committee claimed remained with “Kanjilstroy” due to the terminated contract and unfinished works. Moreover, when “Prom Group” began, no new logbook was available, despite legal requirements. The Committee admitted “Miknar” was only given an oral warning to properly fulfill its duties, explaining that retaining the same supervisor was necessary to avoid further delays.

This raises questions: why was there time to announce two tenders for a new contractor, but none for a new supervisor? How can construction proceed without a logbook? And why is the old contract still valid if a new order requires the supervisor’s presence on-site?

Links between “Miknar” and a former minister

FIP.am had previously investigated “Miknar”, revealing ties to former Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan. The company was originally registered under Parandzem Nazinyan, the wife of Khachatur Hamzyan, a ruling party member of the Ijevan municipal council. Hamzyan and Ghazaryan’s wife are relatives.

Statistics show “Miknar”’s business grew significantly after Ghazaryan’s appointment.

Five years later

In summary, the construction of Dovegh School began in 2020. In five years, costs rose by 26%, the first contractor was dismissed for violations, and children are still studying in the old building.

Although the new contractor has pledged to finish within a year, oversight remains in the hands of a company that previously overlooked violations.

Hasmik Hambardzumyan

Source: Fact-Checking Platform (FIP.am)

According to the 2025 inspection program of the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspectorate, an inspection was carried out at the “Noyemberyan Forestry” branch of the “Hayantar” State Non-Commercial Organization, covering the period from October 2021 to August 2025.

The inspection revealed and recorded the illegal cutting of 236 trees of various species and diameters. The damage caused to the flora was estimated at 25,432,500 AMD, the Inspectorate reported.

In addition, lease agreements for land use were signed that do not comply with the forestry management plan, causing damage of 343,500 AMD to vegetation.

An area of 1,156 square meters of forest land was found to have been seized, where two buildings were constructed without proper construction permits, inflicting 365,120 AMD worth of damage to the flora.

Illegal use of mineral resources was also recorded in the forestry area, resulting in 7,492,500 AMD worth of damage to forest land resources.

Furthermore, the forestry management failed to comply with fire safety regulations.

Based on the results of the inspection, a report on an apparent crime was submitted to the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

The Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in the village of Haghartsin was built back in 1848, thanks to the efforts of Father Voskan. For many years, it served as a spiritual source for the residents of Haghartsin. However, due to repressions against the church during the Soviet years, it ceased its activities. Thanks to the efforts and resources of the villagers, the church has now been renovated, and the courtyard and surroundings have been improved. On September 8, on the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Mary, the residents of Haghartsin, joining believers from other communities in the region, made a pilgrimage to the church, where the Primate of the Aragatsotn Diocese, Bishop Mkrtich, performed the re-consecration ceremony of the church.

The role and significance of the church built in the 19th century and its last clergyman, Father Hovhannes Tamamyan, remain in the memories of the residents of Haghartsin. Today, renovated and reconsecrated, the church opens its doors again, and the villagers hope that spiritual and community life will be given a new lease of life.

From now on, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary will also be celebrated as the day of the rededication of the church, a holiday that bridges the past and the present, reminding everyone of the importance of preserving what was built with love and faith. The Blessed Virgin Mary, being the mother of every Christian, teaches us to walk as worthy children of God, to pray for our salvation and that of humanity, and to be cleansed from earthly sins.

Thanks to the devotion and unity of the restored generations, this holy place is another reminder that faith never fades where hearts and souls live with Christian values.

On September 3, a fire broke out near the firing positions of a military unit adjacent to the “Artsvaberd Forestry” branch of the “Hayantar” State Non-Commercial Organization under the Ministry of Environment, as well as in the nearby forested area.

Seven fire brigades of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 10 employees of the Tavush Regional Department of the Eco-Patrol Service from the Ijevan and Artsvaberd divisions, about 40 volunteers, and 8 pieces of equipment were involved in the firefighting efforts.

The fire spread into the territory of the Norashen Forestry under the “Artsvaberd Forestry” branch. Firefighting operations are still underway.

On August 21–24, the “Tsili tsov” military-sports camp was held in Tavush Province under the theme “Security and Responsibility.” Dozens of young people from Tavush and different communities across Armenia took part in the camp.

Over the course of four days, participants engaged in military-sports games, team competitions, educational trainings, and cultural events. Experienced specialists shared knowledge on national security, leadership, and teamwork.

The camp was organized within the framework of the “Stronger Together” program of the “Tsili Tsov” Local Action Group NGO, with the initiative of the “Prospective Border” Foundation. It provided a unique opportunity in the region to combine military training, education, and cultural experiences.

Author: Anahit Makyan.

The Apicius Armenia International School of Hospitality has opened in Dilijan, bringing to Armenia the flavors of Italian cuisine along with the culture of hospitality, gastronomy, and healthy living. Courses at the international school will be conducted by experienced Italian specialists, who will integrate European standards with Armenia’s local specificities.

“We want to improve the quality of services in the tourism sector, and our international partners will help us achieve this. Through this project, we aim to bring international standards into the Armenian hospitality sphere. Armenians are a wonderful nation; hospitality is ingrained in them at a genetic level. We want to enhance this field by introducing advanced international practices so that anyone visiting Dilijan, regardless of where they come from, will have an excellent experience here. We want the city’s guests to wish to stay longer and, why not, even consider coming to live in Dilijan,” said Katya Bredikhina, Director of the Green Rock Foundation and Head of the Apicius Armenia project.

The parent institution, Apicius Florence International School of Hospitality, has been operating in Florence, Italy, since 1997 and is considered one of the first international hospitality schools in Italy. Each year it welcomes thousands of students from around the world, who return from Florence with a new profession, culture, and mindset. Now this experience is being transferred and localized in Dilijan, giving Armenian students and young people from the region the unique opportunity to receive the same quality education without leaving their hometown.

“I have been working in hospitality education for more than 25 years, and I am convinced that this school and similar institutions create excellent opportunities for passing on knowledge to people and the world. Education here is aligned with international standards. The culinary world is complex and fascinating; there may be challenges, but one must follow the chosen path. This profession is highly valued globally, so if there is a desire, one should move forward,” noted Andrea Trappani, Executive Chef and General Manager of Apicius Florence.

Apicius Armenia is the latest initiative of the Green Rock Foundation, opening the doors of hospitality in Dilijan. It promises to strengthen the local tourism industry, stimulate economic growth, and revalue Armenia’s gastronomic heritage, positioning the country as a benchmark-setting center internationally.

“The first international hospitality school in Armenia is important not only for Dilijan but for the entire country. It will bring international expertise, knowledge, and motivation for professionals, while providing opportunities for teenagers, youth, and adults to study here. We have created the necessary conditions for students to both study and live in Dilijan, integrating into the city’s daily life. We hope this international school will bring positive changes to Dilijan,” emphasized Katerina Danekina, CEO of Green Rock.

From now on, a new generation of hospitality and gastronomy professionals will also be formed in Dilijan. This strengthens Armenia’s position on the global tourism map by preparing specialists whose quality will be recognized worldwide.