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Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  +374-10-517163
Fax:  +374-10-517301
E-Mail:  ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
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February 11, 2008

His Holiness Karekin II Congratulates New Archbishop of Greece

On February 9, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, congratulated the newly elected primate of the Greek Orthodox
Church, His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece.

His Holiness’ letter states in part, "We were happy to learn…of Your
Beatitude’s election as Archbishop of Athens and All Greece.  We
congratulate you on this joyous occasion, and extend to you our best wishes
and fraternal love in Christ from the spiritual center of all Armenians –
the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

"As a faithful laborer in the Lord’s vineyard, Your Beatitude has served in
high and responsible positions of the Church, being a champion of
instruction and giving special emphasis to Christian education and the
theological edification of young clergymen.

"For continuous centuries, the virtuous work of education and illumination
has been at the source of the friendship between our two nations, which
today is reinforced by the presence of the Armenian community and Armenian
diocese in the Hellenic Republic, and through warm collaboration in
inter-state and inter-church spheres.  We are hopeful that throughout the
years of Your Beatitude’s primacy, these important ties will be greater
enriched with many more God-pleasing and successful works and achievements.

"We congratulate you once again and pray for our Lord Jesus Christ to
decorate Your Beatitude with heavenly graces, bestowing you with many long
years of reign to realize all of your good aspirations and beneficial
plans…"