TRAGIC EXPLOSION IN YEREVAN

His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, and the Eastern Prelacy family pray for the souls of the victims of the tragic explosion at the Surmalu shopping center in Yerevan and wish speedy recovery to all those who were injured. The blast on Sunday, Aug. 14, at the fireworks storage area of the shopping center left at least 16 dead and 62 injured. Two persons are still unaccounted for. The republics of Armenia and Artsakh have declared two days of national mourning through Aug. 18. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia has directed the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias, the Holy Virgin Church in Bikfaya, and the churches of every prelacy to hold requiems for the victims on Sunday, August 21.