HEAD OF ARMENIAN CHURCH CONCERNED OVER REGISTRATION OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
ArmenPress
Oct 15 2004
ETCHMIADZIN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS: As reported earlier, Karekin II,
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, left today for
Moscow to join the local Armenian community as they celebrate the
75-th anniversary of the birth of His Holiness Alexey II, Patriarch
of Moscow and All Russia. During his two-day visit to Moscow, the
Catholicos of All Armenians will also offer the service of Blessing
the Foundation of the new Holy Cross Armenian Cathedral and Diocesan
Headquarters for the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhijevan and Russia.
The Church headquarters said that before departing His Holiness
reflected on the recent news that the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”
religious organization has received official registration by the
state authorities of the Republic of Armenia, expressing his concern
at the registration of yet another totalitarian cult.
His Holiness stated that attempts to justify the registration of this
destructive group are unacceptable, and regards as disingenuous and
unfair the accusations that the Armenian Church and her clergy are
weak and incomplete in their pastoral ministry.
“The Holy Armenian Apostolic Church has a mission to serve, and
notwithstanding all difficulties and challenges, will bring all of
her efforts to realizing that sacred mission in the lives of our
people”, stated His Holiness. The Pontiff of All Armenians expressed
his appreciation to all faithful sons and daughters of the Armenian
Church who have displayed concern and devotion regarding this issue.