Cleric refutes demolition of India-based Armenian Church tombstonesSeptember 28, 2015 - 18:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The custodians of the Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth in Burrabazar, perhaps the oldest church in the city, have been accused of destroying a number of tombstones and memorial plaques to make room for a driveway and a parking lot. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) termed the demolition as “criminal” since the loss is “irreparable,” the Times of India reported Monday, September 28. Pastor of Armenians in India, Very Rev. Father Zaven Yazichyan, however, refuted the news. “The Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth of Kolkata was renovated in 2007-2008, as were all the tombstones,” Father Yazichyan said. “No construction has been carried out in the territory of the church since the repair.” The priest said he was going to return to India in a couple of days and clarify the issue once and for all. According to him, the church cemetery is being taken good care of and cleaned every day. The church has a parking lot, also renovated in 2007-2008, but not a single tombstone was removed or destroyed then. Father Yazichyan also mentioned that the parking lot was situated north to the church, while the cemetery lies to its west. 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 | U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement. 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. |