YEREVAN(Armenpress)–Head of the Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos Karekin II–left today for one of the largest Russian cities in Siberia Krasnoyarsk–to consecrate the Saint Sarkis Armenian Church–the first Armenian Church to be built in Siberia. This is his first visit to Siberia.
According to various estimations–there are some 45,000 Armenia’s in the Krasnoyarsk province who have united to form a strong community. The church was built by donations from several local wealthy Armenia’s.
A delegation composed of senior clergymen–the Armenian ambassador to Russia–the president of the Armenian Academy of Sciences and the rector of Yerevan State University will accompany Karekin II.
Krasnoyarsk is the second largest city in Siberia (after Novosibirsk) with 930,000 inhabitants–situated on both sides of the river Enissey. It was founded in 1628 and now serves as the region’s industrial and cultural center. The city’s industry includes machine construction–chemical industry–shipyards and especially aluminum production. There are 2 universities–15 colleges for higher education–5 theaters–4 concert halls and 6 museums.