CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS EXTENDS SYMPATHIES ON DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
ETCHMIADZIN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. On April 3, His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, sent a letter of condolence on behalf of
the worldwide Armenian Church to the Vatican, wherein he extended his
sympathies to the Roman Catholic Church, her clergy and faithful, on
the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. The letter of condolence
submitted to Noyan Tapan by the Press Service of the Mother See
of Holy Etchnmiadzin, in particular, read: “We fondly recall our
meeting with His Holiness in the Vatican, as well as his historic
visit to Armenia in 2001, the first visit of a Bishop of Rome to our
biblical land. In recent years, we witnessed the courage and strength
displayed by our Brother in Christ during his illness, which provided
the most excellent example of dignity, faith, hope and submission to
the all-providential Will of God. Throughout the 26 year tenure of Pope
John Paul II, His Holiness was a vigilant defender of life and champion
of justice. His constant appeals for peace and reconciliation among
nations were always based firmly on his strong moral convictions and
love of mankind. In more recent years, through his efforts and the
work of our predecessors of blessed memory, the fraternal love and
solidarity between our two Churches were greater reinforced and made
stronger. Today, Armenians dispersed throughout the world sympathize
with your Church and faithful, and we stand ready to continue together
on the paths of righteousness and service, all for the greater glory of
God. Offering our affectionate greetings and our blessings to you all,
we pray that the protective Right Hand of the Almighty grant progress
and renewal to the Roman Catholic Church. It is our plea that Our Risen
Lord bestows you with strength and wisdom at this difficult time for
the benefit of your faithful flock.” According to the Press Service
of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the same day requiem was held
in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for the late Pope John Paul II.