Catholicos Karekin II enters the church
The nearly 900 participants of the 13th Pan-Homenetmen Jamboree visited the Holy See of Etchmiadzin on July 30, where they were received by His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.
Extending his pontifical blessing to the scouts, Karekin II expressed satisfaction with the gathering of Armenian youth from across the Diaspora in the homeland and commended the educational, cultural and spiritual programs organized as part of the jamboree. The Catholicos emphasized the importance of homeland-oriented initiatives that strengthen young Armenians’ national consciousness and deepen their commitment to serving the Armenian nation and homeland.
He noted that by spending time in Armenia, young people gain firsthand experience of the realities of their homeland while becoming acquainted with the history, culture, spiritual heritage and sacred sites of the Armenian people, thereby developing a deeper understanding of their national identity. The Catholicos voiced confidence that the participants’ days in Armenia would become an unforgettable experience, enriched by new spiritual encounters, lasting memories and meaningful discoveries.
Karekin II also praised the participants’ patriotism, devotion to God and commitment to the Armenian Church, noting that these values sustain the nation, unite Armenians throughout the world and strengthen the Armenian people’s faith and hope for the future.
Referring to the challenges confronting Armenia and the Armenian nation, the Catholicos stressed that national unity, brotherly solidarity and unwavering dedication to the common national interest are more essential than ever. Only through love, unity and collective effort, he said, can Armenians overcome present trials and build a peaceful, secure and prosperous homeland.
Concluding his remarks, Karekin II urged the Homenetmen members to keep the national spirit alive in their hearts, remain steadfast in their faith in God and preserve their love for the homeland and the Armenian Apostolic Church. He encouraged them to be guided by these values throughout their lives, in their studies and professions, and to dedicate their talents and abilities to the progress of the Armenian people and the development of the homeland.
The Catholicos also expressed appreciation to the members of the Homenetmen Central Executive, the organizers of the jamboree and representatives of Armenian national institutions for their devoted service to the education, national and spiritual formation, and Armenian upbringing of the younger generation.
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