INTERFAITH LEADERS WELCOME ARMENIAN PONTIFF TO METRO DETROIT
Greg Krupa / The Detroit News

Detroit News, MI
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Oct 31 2007

SOUTHFIELD — His Holiness Karekin II the pontiff of the Armenian
Orthodox Church was welcomed to Detroit today by about 25 interfaith
leaders at a banquet at St. John Church.

"On behalf of 1.4 million Catholic clergy and faithful of the
Archdiocese of Detroit, I offer you a fraternal welcome," said Adam
Cardinal Maida. "It is an opportunity to reflect on our spiritual
heritage.

Maida called attention to the massacre of Armenians at the beginning
of the last century. "In particular, for this tragic genocide, we
stand with you in your efforts to never forget," Maida said. "This
is a common stand against violence and atrocities committed in the
name of ethnicity and religion."

The Rev. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of St. John Armenian Church
in Southfield, said he and his parishioners had noted that in the
pontiff’s months-long visit to the United States that he had called
special attention to interfaith work.

"We have noted how significant the passion and spirit of ecumenism
is and how important interfaith work is to your Holiness," Kochakian
said. "We ask you in fellowship to continue to embrace us with your
conversation and your presence."