HIS HOLINESS GAREGIN II MEETS WITH SHEIKH OF SHARJAH

armradio.am
26.11.2008 16:05

On Monday, November 24, His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, during his visit to the United Arab
Emirates, met with His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad al
Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah.

His Holiness was warmly welcomed by Sheikh Sultan, who reflected with
happiness on his memories of visiting Armenia a few years ago. His
Holiness expressed his appreciation to the Sheikh for the kind care and
attention given to the Armenian community of the United Arab Emirates,
specifically noting the help and support given by the ruler of Sharjah
to the Armenians in establishing and building an Armenian church in
his emirate. The Armenian pontiff also expressed his gratitude to
Sheikh Sultan for sponsoring the renovation and restoration of the
historic Monastery of Haghartsin in Armenia.

The Sheikh highly commended the Armenian communities of the Middle
East as pious, faithful, worthy and hardworking members of society,
and especially mentioned the love of knowledge and education which
is highly valued by Armenian families. Sheikh Sultan also noted his
joy upon learning of the progress of the reconstruction work of the
buildings and road of the monastic complex of Haghartsin.

During the meeting, the Catholicos and the Sheikh also spoke about
the importance of sustainable inter-faith dialogue; the special
tolerance that exists in the UAE toward other faiths and cultures;
and the need for respect and mutual love which shall be the guarantor
of the peaceful and harmonious life of humanity.

Accompanying His Holiness during the meeting with Sheikh Sultan were
His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of
Damascus, Syria; Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian and Mr. Varoujan Nerguizian.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress