His Holiness Karekin II Receives DNC Chairman Howard Dean
On Saturday, August 20, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (United States) and former presidential candidate. Mr. Dean was accompanied by Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun Bureau Member Vicken Hovsepian and other ARF members.
His Holiness welcomed Mr. Dean and his delegation to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and presented the guests with an overview of the mission of the Armenian Church in the homeland and in the Diaspora. Reflecting on the Armenian Church in America, His Holiness expressed his joy at the vibrant Armenian community there and in the active role they play in the political, economic and social life of the United States. The Pontiff of All Armenians stated his contentment that the children of the Armenian nation, immigrants and descendants of genocide survivors, are worthy and contributing citizens of the United States.
Mr. Dean informed His Holiness of the purpose of his visit to Armenia, and the two engaged in an active discussion regarding the challenges facing the Republic of Armenia, including the eventual integration of Armenia into the European Union, the illegal blockade of Armenia by Turkey, the importance of universal recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and the desire of the Armenian people to see the Nagorno Karabagh conflict resolved in a peaceful and just manner.
At the end of the meeting, His Holiness offered a prayer asking for God?s blessings to descend upon the Republic of Armenia and the United States.
