Artem Serobyan: 5,000 Armenians Live in Almaty

• 07.27.2015, 22:39
•  EEU,  "Armedia" and the world,  Diaspora,  Interview

Armedia" IAA presents an exclusive interview with Artem Serobyan, an activist of the Armenian community in Almaty. The Interview was conducted in the framework of "Armenia-Kazakhstan: Cooperation Platforms" project, with the support of Embassy of Kazakhstan in Armenia.

 - Please, tell about the Armenian Church in Almaty.

- The head of the Armenian Association of Kazakhstan Artush Karapetyan always dreamed of building an Armenian church. In 2005, whith his funding St. Karapet church in Almaty was built, and the people helped with the decorations inside - paintings on spiritual topics were purchased, artists from Armenia were invited to paint the frescoes and miniatures. In 2006, Archbishop Erzas Nersisyan sanctified the church. In 2007, at our request, Echmiadzin sent to Almaty Marcos priest as a spiritual leader of the community, who worked there until 2014. After that, the church remained without a priest, but people continue to go to church. 15-20 people visit the church daily. Of course, if there was a priest, it would be much better.

5,000 Armenians live in Almaty. They mainly live in the area of the church, in the Armenian quarter. A cultural center is located right in the heart of the Armenian quarter. The last two months we have been working very actively and want to continue this pace, the youth also became more active.

On April 24 we organized a big event here, many people had gathered. The history of the Armenian Genocide was presented - when it started, how it was implemented, what consequences it had, which mark did the Genocide leave in the hearts and souls of the Armenian people. Many did not even know about the Genocide. The whole event was very well organized.

I should note that half years ago, Charles Aznavour was here. And this year we celebrated his 91th anniversary, organized a big event, talked about his successes, sang his songs. This year we also celebrated the 100th anniversary of Hovhannes Shiraz.