Founder and responsible for the program Priest Fr. Ghazar Petrosyan

(Priest Fr.Ghazar Petrosyan, Pastor of St.Gregory the Illuminator Church in Buyravan)

“Let’s Repent by Building” church building project was set up by Ararat Patriarchal Diocese for one purpose, that is, supporting the communities of the Republic of Armenia in having a Saint Church. Given the fact that during the Soviet era a few thousands of churches and monasteries were pulled down and destroyed by the Armenians which was visioned by St. Gregory the Illuminator that the lambs were falling back into the river and from the other side black wolves were coming out and attacked the sheep which led to bloodshed (Agatangeghos). The wolves will be judged by God, the lambs will be rewarded, but the churches destroyed by the wolves is our national shame. An Armenian throughout its evolution only built and never destroyed the St. Church, but as a nation we fell into a big sin whereas restoration and thereby at present repenting is the duty of our generation. This project is challenged to pursue and materialize the following goal: “An Armenian village is to have an improved and active church”. Everywhere is spiritual awakening. All the villagers are eager to have a church, but there are almost no disciplined and supporting structures who could provide advice, project and estimates. The project aims at helping people and affording them with an opportunity to build a church, making their own contribution to this Divine noble endeavor due to which they and their families will be rewarded with God’s blessing. We are looking forward to the participation of many people. If a human being is not a millionaire, it does not mean that people will be deprived of the highest feeling of building a church. Christ was standing in front of the alms-basket and it was the widow who was mostly appreciated with her penny by the contributor. Hence, it is not contemptible, since it is the God Himself who gives His estimation. By building or restoring St.Church in every village it is required to fulfill the repentance of the Armenian people and thereby strengthen the back of our nation (spiritual unity and unified faith). Mother Armenia should re-blossom with its St.Churches by returning the people its Armenian Christian virtuous image. Those who visit our country have been sacramental and ought to be sacramental to St.Faith, learn the path of virtue and not to arrive in order to satisfy his/her passions and defile our country and environment for money. An Armenian who leaves our country is bound to take with him/her a holy faith and holy courtesy, become a teacher of holiness for all peoples. At that time we ought to introduce ourselves honorably and heartily as the first Christian people historically and with our daily life. At this point, we began to build 1 and repair 4 churches in Vostan, Hovtashen, Jrashen, Bardzrashen and Nshavan villages of Ararat region. Everywhere people ask us how to build 4 churches. Our response is “By God’s power, faith and commitment of our people. It is the Armenian nation, who is pious, the selected nation of a new covenant, the first Christian nation, the people killed for Christ’s glory, tortured and humble people. These people need to be established in its centuries-old and God-given sacred mission as a “lamp-bearer” nation of Holy Faith”. In the future we plan to start construction of two more churches, thus the initial phase of "Let’s Repent by Building" project will be deemed launched. God grant "Let’s Repent by Building" church building project will be a success in the Armenian communities and the matter of constructing 365 churches will be settled during its existence. Amen

Priest F.Ghazar Petrosyan