PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
March 20, 2006

Meeting of Governors and Mayors in Holy Etchmiadzin

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.  Also present
were the lay members of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

The leaders were welcomed by the Pontiff of All Armenians, who noted his
pleasure at hosting the regional and local elected officials in the Mother
See.  His Holiness noted the purpose of the gathering was to give them an
opportunity to meet with the diocesan primates, discuss issues related to
the national and ecclesiastical life of the Armenian people, and to explore
ways of working together to find solutions to those problems.

His Holiness Karekin II extended his Pontifical Blessings to all of the
participants and expressed his appreciation to the state, regional and local
authorities for the assistance which is provided to the Armenian Church and
her mission.  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 also welcomed the
guests and thanked His Holiness for inviting them all to the `center of
Armenian faith and spiritual life’, and 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.