HEAD OF ARMENIAN CHURCH UNDAUNTED BY TURKISH PROTESTS
Armenpress
Jun 26 2006
ISTANBUL, JUNE 26, ARMENPRESS: The head of the Armenian Apostolic
Church, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, who will end on June 28 a week-long Pontifical visit
to Turkey, stated in Istanbul that the genocide of Armenians planned
and executed by the government of the Turkey during World War 1 is
an undeniable historical fact and not subject to debates.
"The genocide of Armenians is a crime that had happened and which
must be acknowledged. The issue of the Armenian genocide has been
explored by researches for 90 years," he was quoted by Turkish Dogan
news agency as saying. A report by the Associated Press said Karekin
II’s remarks will complicate the end of his visit that was already
marked by protests of nationalistic organizations.
Karekin II said meantime he was not impressed by the protests. "They
are not able to break my spirit and have no impact on my visit, but
if such protests continue they will prove that we still have to a
lot to do to have these two nations live in peace."
Karekin II is visiting Turkey upon the joint invitation of His
Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of
Constantinople; and His All Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical
Patriarch of Constantinople.
During this first Pontifical visit the Catholicos visited Armenian
churches and holy shrines, extended his pontifical blessings to the
Armenian community of Istanbul, and met with Armenian intellectuals
and young men and women. On Sunday, June 25, His Holiness celebrated
a Pontifical Divine Liturgy in the Armenian Patriarchate’s Cathedral
of the Holy Mother of God.
Also planned is a meeting between the Pontiff of All Armenians and
the Governor of Istanbul. His Holiness is scheduled to return to the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on June 28.