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]
October 15, 2004
His Holiness Karekin II Departs for Moscow
On October 15, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, during a meeting with the Brotherhood
of Holy Etchmiadzin, announced that he was departing for the Russian
Federation to join the Armenian community of Moscow as they celebrate
the 75th Anniversary of the birth of His Holiness Alexey II, Patriarch
of Moscow and All Russia, head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
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.
In the course of the meeting, 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, and expressed 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.
Accompanying His Holiness during his visit to the Russian Federation
are His Grace Bishop Navasard Kjoyan, Vicar General of the Araratian
Pontifical Diocese; His Grace Bishop Arshak Khatchatrian, Chancellor
of the Mother See; and Rev. Fr. Mushegh Babayan, Staff-bearer of
His Holiness.
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress