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
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August 18, 2006

His Holiness Karekin II Receives Pilgrims from
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

On August 17, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, received more than 50 pilgrims from the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). The pilgrims
are in Holy Etchmiadzin on the occasion of the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of their parish, St. James Armenian Church
in Watertown, Massachusetts. The delegation of faithful sons and
daughters of the Armenian Church was led by their parish priest,
Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, and his wife, Yeretsgin Natasha.

Receiving the large group of pilgrims in the Pontifical Residence,
the Catholicos of All Armenians welcomed them to their spiritual
home and administrative center of the Holy Mother Church. Fr. Arakel
introduced the parish members to His Holiness and, on behalf of all
his parishioners, expressed his love and filial respect to the Mother
See and the Pontiff of All Armenians. He asked His Holiness for his
blessing and message to the pilgrims.

His Holiness extended his words of appreciation to the pilgrims
on the occasion of their visit and, noting their enthusiasm stated,
"…May our Lord inspire you with the new reality of our country – our
independent homeland, with the spiritual renaissance of our Church and
the developing life of our people, so that far from the homeland, but
with her love always in your souls, you continue working and toiling
with restlessness and consolation for the benefit of your own parish
and community, as well for our homeland and your brothers and sisters
who live here."

His Holiness also reflected on Father Arakel’s years of service as
a pastor, commending him for his vigilant and dedicated service.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress