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: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
September 7, 2004

Requiem Service in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On Sunday, September 5, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during the celebration
of Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The celebrant was Very Rev. Fr. Armash Vardapet Nalbandian, Primate
of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus, who led a group of more than 30
Armenian faithful from Syria to the Mother See on a pilgrimage.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a solemn requiem service was offered
in memory of the hundreds of innocent victims of terrorism in Russia,
specifically for those who lost their lives in the recent explosions
of two aircraft, the bombing of a subway station and the horrific
acts of violence and terror in the school in Beslan, North Ossetia.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of all those who
perished, as well as comfort and consolation for their families and
loved ones.

His Holiness Karekin II has sent telegrams of support and condolence
on behalf of all Armenians throughout the world to President of the
Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Russian Orthodox Patriarch His
Holiness Alexi II, and President of North Ossetia Alexander Dzasokhov.

##