PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version: nian.htm
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I SENDS A PONTIFICAL MESSAGE
TO THE PILGRIMS IN SAINT TADEH
The Monastery of the St. Tadeh (Thaddeus) Apostle has played a unique role
throughout history in the Christianization of the Armenian nation. The feast
of the Apostle and the Saint Santoukhd Virgin bring spiritual renewal every
year to the Armenian Diocese of Tabriz, Iran, which recently organized the
53rd annual pilgrimage to the Monastery. The pilgrimage was headed by the
Primates of the three Dioceses of Iran- Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian
(Primate of the Diocese of Tehran), Bishop Papken Charian (Primate of the
Diocese of Isfahan) and Bishop Neshan Topouzian (Primate of the Diocese of
Tabriz)
On this special occasion the Pontiff sent his Pontifical Blessings in a
written message to the thousands of pilgrims gathered in the Monastery. In
his message His Holiness seeks to once more renew faith of Armenians towards
their church and nation.
"Your pilgrimage to Saint Tate should become an occasion for spiritual
renewal for you all. Let us not forget that through Christianity the lives
of Armenians thrived with spiritual values and Christian values became
intertwined with Armenian traditions in our lives. Therefore, we expect that
this pilgrimage will also be an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen your
national belonging," writes the Catholicos in the message, which was read
out to the pilgrims on the day of the pilgrimage.
Holy Mass was performed by Primate Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian. A
procession of Holy relics followed. The pilgrims set up tents around the
Monastery on the evening before the event, spiritually preparing themselves
for the pilgrimage.
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View photo here:
tos/Photos17.htm