The festive ceremony of welcoming the torch of the 6th Pan-Armenian Games was held in the square near Sardarapat memorial complex today. The torch was lit in Surb Khach Church on Aghtamar Island of Lake Van and carried through Armenian-populated Javakhk, the Armenian city of Gyumri and along the banks of Akhurian and Araks Rivers before arriving in Sardarapat.

Olympic champion, record holder, member of the Armenian national weightlifting team Simon Martirosyan brought the torch into the square.

Primate of Armavir Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop Sion Adamyan gave his blessing to the event participants and guests. Armavir regional governor Ashot Ghahramanyan made a speech.

The torch will be carried to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for blessing of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.