Armenians, raised as Muslims, get baptized in Surp Giragos Church in TurkeyOctober 26, 2011 - 13:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A group of Armenians, raised as Sunni Muslims because their ancestors converted to Islam after the Armenian Genocide, were baptized at the newly re-opened Surp Giragos Church, Hurriyet Daily News reports. “I wish this church had always been open,” one of the group to be baptized, who also contributed to the restoration of the church, said. “It is unbelievable to be together here with people from all around the world with whom I share the same origins.” The baptism ceremony, which was closed to the press and outside visitors, was led by Deputy Patriarch Archbishop Aram Ateşyan. The names of those baptized are not revealed for security reasons. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |