Presentation of 12th Issue of “Vernatun” Annual at “Hovhannes Tumanyan House” Center of Armenian Diocese in Georgia

With the blessing of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, and at the initiative of the “Vernatun” Union of Armenian Writers in Georgia, the presentation of the 12th issue of the “Vernatun” Annual took place on March 7, 2026, at the Diocesan “Hovhannes Tumanyan House” Scientific and Cultural Center. The annual is dedicated to the memory of the late Zhora (Gevorg) Snkhchyan, the founding president of the “Vernatun” Union of Armenian Writers in Georgia.

The work on the publication of the annual was carried out through the selfless efforts of the distinguished Armenian educator from Tbilisi, Roza Zohrabyan. The annual includes works by Armenian writers and creators from Georgia as well as from different countries, produced during the years of activity of the  “Vernatun” Union of Armenian Writers of Georgia. These works serve as a unique reflection on the chronicle of the organization’s activities under the leadership of Zhora Snkhchyan.

Welcoming remarks at the presentation of the latest issue of the “Vernatun” Annual were delivered by Maghvala Gonashvili, Chairwoman of the Writers’ Union of Georgia; poet and translator Baghater Arabuli; and Van Baiburtian, editor of the “Vrastan” (Georgia) newspaper. In their speeches, they highlighted the distinguished trio of the aforementioned organization — Givi Shahnazar, Anahit Bostanjyan, and Zhora Snkhchyan — whose active work not only strengthened friendly ties but also gave new resonance and spirit to the development of Armenian-Georgian literary relations.

Members of different generations of the “Vernatun” Union of Armenian Writers of Georgia, many of whom stood at the origins of the organization, recalled in their speeches various aspects of the creative union’s fruitful activities. They spoke about the publication of works by new authors, the organization of translations, the multifaceted work of the Ghazaros Aghayan House-Museum, the annual Aghayan festival, the encouragement of young writers, and the participation of Armenian writers from Georgia in literary events and competitions, among other initiatives. It should also be noted that some critical remarks were voiced during the event as well.

A solemn and festive atmosphere at the presentation was created by performances of Silva Sipanyan, Armenian poet from Javakhk; honored actress Melania Barseghyan of the Petros Adamyan Armenian State Drama Theatre in Tbilisi; poet Ruzanna Hovasapyan; as well as recitations by the granddaughter of Guri Yetery and students of the St. Elijah the Prophet Sunday School of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

The 12th issue of the “Vernatun” Annual was published with the support of Shirak Torosyan, President of the  Support to Javakheti Foundation.