YEREVAN. – The official placement and blessing ceremony of the replica of Armenian king Ashot II the Iron’s (Ashot Yerkat) historical holy cross was held Friday at the Ministry of Defense. Minister Seyran Ohanyan, Armed Forces chiefs of staff, officers, and clergy members were present at the event.

In his remarks, Minister Ohanyan expressed a conviction that the cross’ placement will be a breakthrough in terms of raising the combat readiness of Armenia’s Armed Forces, and stressed that this ceremony is symbolic also in the sense that the national army is wrapping up the first six months of 2012 with numerous success and accomplishments, MOD informs.