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
Website:
August 17, 2006

Conference of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin in the Mother See

A three-day conference of clergy convened in the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin on August 16, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin
II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. 2006 marks
the fourth such gathering of the members of the Brotherhood of Holy
Etchmiadzin in recent years.

Nearly 70 members of the Brotherhood, comprised of senior
archimandrites, archimandrites and monks, have arrived in the
Mother See from throughout Armenia and the diasporan dioceses
around the world. The participants will discuss issues related to
the responsibilities of the priest as pastor of the people, teacher
of the faith, preacher, counselor, and leader with a mission.

The conference began with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by welcoming
remarks by the Very Reverend Father Sasoon Zumrookhdian, Vicar of the
Diocese of Gugark. Father Sasoon, in his capacity as a member of the
organizing committee for the conference, reflecting on the spiritual
concerns facing societal life today and the challenges placed before
the Church, considered the renewal of the mission of the priest as an
imperative. At the conclusion of his remarks, Father Sasoon once again
affirmed the oath of the members of the Brotherhood to be soldiers of
the spiritual army, and invited His Holiness Karekin II to extend his
pontifical message and blessings to the young generation of priests.

In his message, the Catholicos of All Armenians stated in part,
"It is a great joy for us as pontiff to see our beloved priests
gathered in the Mother See of All Armenians – Holy Etchmiadzin. This
is a wonderful new tradition that has begun in the Mother See,
whereby every few years, members of our Brotherhood convene in Holy
Etchmiadzin to renew their oath toward our cherished holy center,
as well as to spend a few days in each other’s company, to exchange
their pastoral and spiritual experiences with one another, to share
their concerns with their brothers, as well as their vision and dreams
surrounding the future of our Church and our people."

His Holiness spoke of the issues facing the Church in detail,
especially noting the areas of Christian education, daily preaching,
the necessity for increasing the level of activity of pastoral care,
and the mission of re-establishing a healthy moral atmosphere in the
life of society. "…As long as we fail to fully accomplish this
mission, we shall see manifold negative occurrences accompanying
our life; as long as the Armenian son or daughter is far from God,
then it shall not be the commandments and exhortations of God which
will be directing their lives," stressed His Holiness.

Reflecting on the calling of the priest, his responsibilities and
mission, the Catholicos of All Armenians encouraged the clergymen
to use this opportunity to its fullest extent, to strengthen their
brotherhood, reinforce their faith and spirit, to live moments of
reflection, to reevaluate their lives and vision, so that they will
return to their service with new strength and vigor. "We believe that
if we devote our time fully and completely to our service, we can
truly perform miracles in the present day, to increase the standing
of our Church before our people, to put an end to all criticisms –
just and unjust – which are directed at the Church, thereby being a
worthy laborer before God, a worthy son of our nation, and a worthy
successor to our forefathers," concluded His Holiness, wishing success
to the deliberations of the conference.

During the first session of the conference, the participants listened
to the lecture of the Very Reverend Father Haigazoun Najarian, entitled
"The Priest as Pastor of the People", which was followed by a question
and answer period, as well as a discussion among panelists.

At the conclusion of the first session, His Holiness Karekin II
presided during a requiem service offered in memory of all deceased
members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress