On September 4-5 Burg-YEC NGO and "Land and Culture" Charitable NGO organized a youth tour to Lori region entitled "Faith and Heritage". The tour was dedicated to the memory of Archbishop Mesrop Ashchyan.
   The main aim of the tour was to introduce the participants, mainly young people, to some of the treasures of the Armenian cultural heritage - unique architectural monuments of Karasnits Mankants and Bardzrakash St. Grigor's Churches in Dsegh, the Church of Odzun, Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, St. Astvatsatsin church and Aghtala Castle.
   These historical-architectural monuments dating back to the VI-XIII centuries embody the spiritual strength and courage of their builders that created the amazingly beautiful churches and monasteries with subtle architecture and design on top of the high mountains of Lori. The trip was an excellent opportunity for the participants to get to know the treasures of the Armenian Middle Age architecture better. At the same time the impressiveness of the mountainous landscape and the churches so harmoniously enhancing the beauty of the scene aroused in the souls of the participants appreciation of Armenia's unique cultural and spiritual heritage crystallized in the form of natural and man-made beauty.
    Originally, the organizers of the trip were planning to clean up the territory of the churches and monasteries they visit. However, the participants were pleasantly surprised to see the cleanliness of the monasteries and the adjacent territories. Apparently, this is evidence of increased awareness of the necessity to take care and preserve the cultural monuments of such great cultural and historical value both among the local population and the tourists visiting the sites.
    The trip left colorful memories in the hearts of the participants that will no doubt inspire them to take care and protect the nature and the historical-cultural monuments of Armenia and do their best to contribute to the preservation of our cultural heritage. This was the main aim of the trip - bring the participants closer to our culture and nature by introducing them to some of the treasures of Armenian architecture and the picturesque landscape of the Armenian North. And that aim was unquestionably accomplished since the young people were heading back to Yerevan spiritually enriched and with an enhanced appreciation of faith and heritage.
    For photos please visit www.forum.am/groups/env (this web site is in Armenian), "Faith and Heritage, Lori, September 2004" gallery.

    By Gayane Tonoyan