CROWDS GREET ARMENIAN POPE
By Susan Hogan/Albach
Chicago Sun-Times, IL
Oct 25 2007
KAREKIN II | Praises U.S. House resolution on Turkey’s ‘genocide’
During a Chicago stopover Wednesday, Armenian pontiff Karekin II met
with throngs of area Armenian Christians and with other religious
leaders, including Roman Catholic Cardinal Francis George.
On his first visit to Chicago, the chief shepherd to 7million Armenian
Christians worldwide encouraged his flock to maintain their Armenian
identity. Armenia identifies itself as the world’s oldest Christian
nation.
"Remain loyal to the faith of our forefathers," said Karekin, known
as the Catholicos of All Armenians.
He said critical to maintaining the Armenian church’s national identity
was the continued use of the Armenian language in worship services,
known as Divine Liturgy.
He also lauded a recent U.S. House committee resolution that said the
Turks committed "genocide" in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians in
1915 — a measure President Bush opposed.
Karekin said the purpose of his visit was to inspire the faithful.