His Holiness Karekin II in Istanbul: Genocide is Not a Matter for Debate
On Sunday, June 25, following a Pontifical Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of St. Astvatsatsin of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, participated in a press conference organized on the occasion of his visit to Istanbul.
Present for the press conference were both Armenian and Turkish journalists. During the conference, a number of questions were asked regarding the pontifical and inter-church visit of His Holiness.
In response to a question by a Turkish journalist regarding the Genocide of the Armenians, the Catholicos of All Armenians stated, "The Armenian Genocide is a reality that happened and can never be an item for debate". Regarding a follow-up question about how relations between the Armenian and Turkish peoples could be improved, the Pontiff of All Armenians stressed the necessity for the Republic of Turkey to come to terms with its past and recognize the Armenian Genocide.
Responding to another question regarding the convening of conferences about the events that occurred in the final days of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, His Holiness noted, "It shall be possible to welcome similar initiatives if they are intended to present the actuality of the Genocide to Turkish society".
During the press conference, His Holiness Karekin II also reflected on his impressions of his visit to Istanbul, and highly appreciated the warm and brotherly spirit of Ecumenical Patriarch His All Holiness Bartholomew I, as well as expressed his contentment with the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople and the faithful Armenian sons and daughters who live and work under her spiritual authority.
