Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kiril I is in Yerevan with an official visit (March 16-18) on the invitation of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. Yesterday, March 16, the parties signed documents making Echmiadzin the sister city of Sergiev Posad. Later that day the guest holy man laid a wreath at the Memorial to Russian soldiers of 1826-1828 Russian-Persian War. During the visit Kirill I will also attend the Genocide Memorial, Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church in Yerevan, and have a meeting with RA President Serzh Sargsyan.

As reported by one of Teghut Protection team members, environmental activist Mariam Sukhudyan, more than 50 trees have been logged on the road from Goshavank to lake Gosh, Tavush province. Dilijan National Park administration claims that the trees are cut for sanitary purposes. Sukhudyan, however, insists that the trees are healthy and are logged illegally.

Everywhere in Yerevan these days one can see people in green cleaning, ploughing, planting, watering lawns and parks, in other words, and giving appropriate spring attire to our capital.

Pup in Pink

When Oscar-nominee actress Maggie Gyllenhaal showed up for the Academy Awards in Hollywood Sunday night, she turned heads on the red carpet in a silk dress that had been painted, ArmeniaNow has learned, by a Yerevan artist. We dare not speak the artist’s name, as the artist has signed away credit claims to the designer. The wearable canvass was inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. Gyllenhaal didn’t win supporting actress, but we give an Oscar to Yerevan’s Artist ‘X.’.

Yesterday, March 8 International Women’s Day the women’s month has launched in Armenia till April 7 Beauty and Maternity Day.

Last weekend in Tsaghkadzor American professional snowboarders, Amber Stackhouse and Erin Comstock, who came to Armenia as Spots Envoys acted as judges at the 1st-ever snowboard competition in Armenia, followed by an award ceremony. Marianna Tovmasyan took the 1st place among women snowboarders; Karen Mirzoyan was the winner among men.

Last night, March 4, ballet fans could enjoy a two-part performance – Bach and Pergolesi – by the Armenian National Theatre of Opera and Ballet staged by an internationally recognized artist and choreographer Rudolf Kharatyan. (Photo: Part One, Bach).