PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
May 3, 2004
His Holiness Karekin II Receives Armenian Ambassadors
On May 2, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, received the heads of the diplomatic corps and consulates of the
Republic of Armenia accredited in foreign states. Their delegation was led
by Mr. Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of
Armenia.
His Holiness welcomed the delegation of nearly 40 ambassadors and consuls to
the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and noted with happiness their presence
and participation during the Divine Liturgy.
The Catholicos of All Armenians addressed the group of Armenian diplomats,
stating in part, “It is worthy of appreciation that as part of your annual
gathering, you have come to Holy Etchmiadzin to receive the blessing of the
Armenian Pontiff and our 1700 year-old Church. The ambassadors and the
consuls of our state accredited in foreign countries honorably represent our
state, but through their zealous activity, also greatly contribute to the
development of international relationships, and bring their benefit to the
solutions of various important problems facing our people.”
His Holiness noted with much satisfaction and happiness, that the
relationships which exist in foreign countries between the Armenian state
diplomats and the spiritual diplomats – Armenian Church Diocesan Primates
and clergymen, were very close and based upon a true spirit of cooperation
and love. The Catholicos stressed that due to combined efforts, they try to
fulfill all demands that are placed upon them, both from the state and the
Church.
On behalf of all the guests, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian expressed his
gratitude to the Pontiff of All Armenians for the audience, and noted, “Your
Holiness, I am confident that the visit to the Mother See was important for
all of us, as it will revive our sacred national feelings and emotions.
Filled with hope, we will continue on the realization of our mission with
more zeal, spiritually renewed and having received the blessing of Holy
Etchmiadzin.”
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