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: 
October 5, 2006

Holy Etchmiadzin Welcomes Catholics, Anglicans and Muslims

On Sunday, September 3, the Chief Mufti of Syria and his delegation
attended the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin
as guests of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians.  His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Badr Ad-Din Hassoun,
the Mufti of Aleppo and spiritual leader of the Muslims of the Syrian
Arab Republic, was in Armenia last month upon the invitation of the
Catholicos of All Armenians.

As the liturgy commenced, His Holiness Karekin II and Sheikh Ad-Din
Hassoun were escorted by the pontifical procession into the Mother
Cathedral of All Armenians.  The celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop
Yeznik Petrosian.  In his message, the celebrant bishop once more
welcomed the high-ranking guests from Syria to Armenia and extended
the best wishes on behalf of all Armenians to Sheikh Ad-Din Hassoun
and his entire faithful flock.

Also present for the Liturgy this Sunday were Roman Catholic pilgrims
from the Vatican, led by His Excellency Abp. Claudio Gugerotti and
Anglican pilgrims from the Church of England, led by His Grace Bishop
Geoffrey Rowell.  Abp. Petrosian further mentioned how pleasing to
God it must be that Armenians, Catholics, Anglicans and Muslims were
united today in Holy Etchmiadzin raising their prayers of praise and
thanksgiving to heaven.

In attendance for the Divine Liturgy were the Ambassadors of Syria
and Lebanon to Armenia and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

On the final day of his trip, the Chief Mufti visited Yerevan State
University and presented a lecture on the sanctity of man, divine love
and fraternal love.  He was welcomed by the President of the University
Dr. Aram Simonian and Dean of the Theological Faculty of YSU Very
Rev. Fr. Anushavan Jamkotchian.  Following his lecture to the students
and faculty, the Mufti answered questions from those assembled.

Additionally, the Chief Mufti visited the Vaskenian Theological
Seminary of Lake Sevan and the historic "Blue" Mosque in central
Yerevan.  Prior to his departure, Sheikh Ad-Din Hassoun and His
Holiness Karekin II participated in a joint press conference held in
Holy Etchmiadzin.

At the conclusion of the visit of the spiritual leader of Syria,
His Holiness offered prayers to heaven, asking the Almighty to bless,
keep and strengthen the Chief Mufti of Syria and to make his service
to his nation and people fruitful and successful.

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