Sanahin Monastery restoration to launch in 2012

 July 21, 2011 - 12:16 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - On April 13, 2010, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan was on a working visit to Lori Province. As Armenian Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan reminded before July 21 governmental sitting, the Prime Minister instructed to develop a Sanahin monastery reconstruction program, with a committee of relevant state departments, representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church and experts formed for this purpose.

On July 21, the Minister of Culture submitted a report of work accomplished to the Prime Minister. According to the document, an expert conclusion on measures necessary in monastery reconstruction will be provided in September. A tender for reconstruction works will be announced, to be followed by actual restoration works in 2012.

Sanahin monastery, founded in the 10th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is currently on the verge of demolition, left in a dilapidated state.

Earlier, Armenian society demanded resignation of the Catholicos of All Armenians with 1560 favoring the idea of Karekin II excommunication, while 221 voted against, according to Facebook poll.

The public mood was triggered by Karekin II’s statement, where he said, “I don’t care about the churches located in the mountains,” when asked to address the issue of Sanahin monastery complex.