COOPERATION BETWEEN ARMENIAN CHURCH AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES DEVELOPS

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Mar 20 2006

ETCHMIADZIN, MARCH 20, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On the evening of
March 18, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, hosted a gathering of political and religious leaders
from throughout Armenia in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,
led by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Mr. Hovik
Abrahamian. Present for the meeting were all diocesan primates from
the Republics of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh; regional governors
(Marzpets) of the Republic of Armenia; and mayors of cities from
throughout the country. According to the information system of the
Mother See, also present were the lay members of the Supreme Spiritual
Council. Reflecting on the administrative matters facing the Church,
the Pontiff underlined the great importance of reestablishing parish
life within the cities and villages of Armenia as a vital precondition
of fully achieving the Church’s mission in the fields of spiritual
education and pastoral ministry. “The restoration of parish councils,
parochial boards and parish life will greatly benefit our work in
strengthening the Armenian family by providing a strong foundation
built on Christian faith, Church teachings and Holy Tradition,
and reinforcing our independent statehood through education and
leadership”, stated the Catholicos of All Armenians. Minister of
Territorial Administration Hovik Abrahamian expressed his happiness
for the spirit of cooperation which is developing between the Armenian
Church and the local authorities. The Minister also placed importance
on these meetings occurring at regular intervals, in order to plan the
work ahead for the present and future collaboration between Church and
state, which he stated would benefit the prosperity of the homeland and
the life of the people. During the meeting, many proposals were offered
by the participants regarding spheres of cooperation. Also discussed
was concern among many regional and local officials regarding the
destructive activities of cults and various sects operating in Armenia.