‘WE HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR ARMENIAN CHURCH IN RUSSIA,’ SAYS MEDVEDEV

Tert
Nov 4 2009
Armenia

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent a congratulatory letter to
Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II in honour of
his 10th anniversary in being elected in his position as head of the
Armenian Apostolic Church.

"In Russia, we have great respect for the ancient Armenian church,
which for centuries has upheld the Christian faith. We highly praise
the good relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Armenian
Apostolic Church. They have always played a unique role in solidifying
the friendship and mutual trust between our [two] countries. The
proof of that is the current Armenian church in Moscow and the
construction of an Orthodox church in Armenia. In that, of course,
there is also your personal investment as an authoritive religious
figure, which pays much attention to Armenian-Russian humanitarian
ties," reads the Russian president’s congratulatory letter.

Besides, as Medvedev noted, "You are also making a large contribution
in strengthening the inter-religious dialogue. I am convinced
that your efforts in the CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States]
Inter-Religious Council, of which the Armenian Apostolic Church is
a co-founder, will support the establishment of peace and stability
in the South Caucasus."