175th anniversary of Armenian church marked in SingaporeMarch 28, 2011 - 14:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian community in Singapore celebrated the 175th anniversary of its church on Sunday, with more than 160 Armenians from 14 countries flying in to attend the festivities. The Church of St Gregory the Illuminator in Hill Street is Singapore's oldest Christian church, and was declared as a national monument in 1973. To mark the occasion, the trustees of the church organized a gala dinner on March 27 at the Raffles Hotel - a uniquely Singaporean landmark that was started in 1887 by Armenian brothers Tigran and Aviet Sarkies. On March 27, a holy mass at the church was officiated by the Archbishop of Armenia, who flew down for the event. Speaking to The Straits Times after the event, Foreign Minister George Yeo, who also attended the mass, said the Armenian church and community were an important part of Singapore's heritage. There are around 80 Armenians living there. Though small in number, the community has doubled over the past five years, mostly due to immigration from Armenia. About 10 Armenians have also been born here in the last two years, The Straits Times reported. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Up to 10% cashback from GetTransfer with IDBank cards IDBank clients who make their booking on GetTransfer will receive an exclusive cashback. European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. |