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 29, 2006

Clergy Conference in Holy Etchmiadzin

On Tuesday morning, February 21, the Armenian Church celebrated the
Feast of Sts. Ghevondiants. Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin
II, Catholicos of All Armenians. Participating in this special service
were more than 200 clergymen of the Armenian Church, consisting of
the diocesan primates from within Armenia and Artsakh; members of the
Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin; and married priests from 12 dioceses
from the Republic of Armenia (Araratian Pontifical, Armavir, Shirak,
Aragatsotn, Kotayk, Gougarats, Gegharkunik, Syunik), the Republic of
Nagorno Karabagh (Artsakh), the United States of America (Eastern and
Western), and the Syrian Arab Republic (Damascus). The celebrant for
the day was Rev. Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian from the Araratian Pontifical
Diocese.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the traditional annual clergy conference
convened in the Pontifical Residence of the Catholicosate under the
presidency of His Holiness. The clergy conference was unprecedented
both in the number of priests present as well as the number of dioceses
represented. The meeting opened with the Lord~Rs Prayer. His Grace
Bishop Mikael Ajapahian, Primate of the Diocese of Shirak, presented
the agenda for the day. Reports were presented and topics debated on
the spiritual, pastoral, administrative and ecclesiastical life of
the parishes and dioceses.

The meeting concluded with the remarks of the Pontiff of All
Armenians. His Holiness Karekin II congratulated all of the priests
on the Feast of St. Ghevondiants and extended his fatherly blessings,
exhorting them to remain faithful to the patriotic and Christ-devoted
spirit of ~SGhevond Yerets~T, always being vigilant in their efforts,
filled with love for their flock, and keeping the unity of the Church
and her people centered in their vision. His Holiness also emphasized
the necessity to better organize the pastoral mission of the Church
and reinforce her parochial structures.

At the conclusion of the conference, His Holiness granted 12 priests
the right to wear pectoral crosses in recognition for their devoted
service to the Armenian Church.

The day ended with the priests returning to the Mother Cathedral to
offer Evening Services, invigorated and inspired to return to their
respective dioceses and continue their spiritual mission of service.

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