HEAD OF ARMENIAN CHURCH LEAVES FOR VISIT TO TURKEY

Interfax, Russia
June 20 2006

Yerevan, June 20, Interfax – The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians, has departed for Istanbul,
the church’s press service told Interfax.

Karekin II will visit Turkey at an invitation from Armenian Patriarch
of Constantinople, Mesrop II Mutafian, and Patriarch Bartholomew I
of Constantinople.

During the visit to last about one week, Karekin II will visit Armenian
holy places in Istanbul and will meet with the Armenian community in
the city. On June 25, the catholicos will serve a liturgy service
at the Holy Virgin Church. In addition, Karekin II will meet with
representatives from various churches and the Istanbul mayor.