Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On August 12, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received young Armenians participating in the "Discover Armenia" program of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), accompanied by Mr. Vasken Yakubyan, president of AGBU Armenia, and member of the Central Board of the AGBU.

At the meeting, Mr. Yakubyan, asking the blessings of His Holiness, emphasized that the goal of the AGBU "Discover Armenia" program is to strengthen the connection of Armenian youth from all over the world with the Motherland, to familiarize them with Armenian culture and spiritual heritage through pilgrimages, cognitive and cultural programs. Mr. Yakubyan also informed that within the framework of the program, young Armenians participate in various voluntary humanitarian and community programs in Armenia, and today they plan to carry out volunteer work in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Conveying his blessings and paternal command to the attendees, the Catholicos of All Armenians highly appreciated the similar programs implemented by the Armenian  General Benevolent Union, thanks to which the Armenian youth of the Diaspora are given the opportunity to know the Motherland, to strengthen the national spirit and consciousness.

The Patriarch of Armenia expressed his belief that young people, becoming aware of the native reality and more inspired by the homeland, will use their abilities to overcome the challenges facing the Armenian people and build a bright future.

At the conclusion, His Holiness commanded the Armenians to remain faithful to the values of their ancestors, to show zeal in preserving the national identity and to be actively involved in the national-ecclesiastical life.