Catholicos of All Armenians Held a Video Conference with Leaders of the Armenian Church in Europe
24.06.2020
On June 24, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; held a video conference with the Primates, Patriarchal Delegates and Vicars of the Armenian Church in Europe.
Present at the videoconference were His Eminence Archbishop Khajak Parsamyan, Patriarchal Delegate of Western Europe; His Grace Bishop Tiran Petrosyan, Patriarchal Delegate of Central Europe and Sweden; His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhannisyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of France; His Grace Bishop Datev Hagopian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Romania and Locum Tenens of the Armenian Diocese of Bulgaria; His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland; His Grace Bishop Serovbe Isakhanyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany; His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of the Baltic States; Rev. Fr. Archimandrite Gusan Aldjanian, Locum Tenens of the Armenian Diocese of Switzerland; Rev. Fr. Archimandrite Khoren Araqelyan, Locum Tenens of the Armenian Diocese of Greece.
Conveying His Pontifical Blessings and best wishes to the clergy representing the Armenian Church structures in Europe, the Armenian Pontiff emphasized the importance of holding such meetings regularly. His Holiness welcomed the opportunity of online connection through the modern technologies to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenian Pontiff, expressing confidence that it will greatly contribute to more effective implementation of the spiritual mission, discussions of issues concerning the Church and exchange of experience. The Catholicos of All Armenians noted the usefulness of organizing various educational programs to deepen the knowledge of the diocesan administrators and clergymen concerning the traditions and rules of the Armenian Church, and the Brotherhood members and staff of the Mother See will contribute to its implementation.
During the meeting, a number of issues related to the Armenian communities in Europe, the ecclesiastical life and the pastoral mission of the clergy in the current situation were discussed. His Holiness was informed on the current situation, as well as, the steps being taken by the dioceses and patriarchal delegates to prevent the pandemic and overcome its consequences. Participants were also pleased to announce that next month, the Armenian Churches will fully operate in Europe, following all the necessary rules. In this regard, the question of the distribution of Holy Communion was separately discussed. The traditional method of distribution was reaffirmed to be maintained until ensuring all hygienic rules.
The Pontiff of All Armenians informed on the social, educational and health programs being implemented by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in those pandemic conditions. On this occasion, His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the dioceses, who have supported the social assistance programs of the Mother See with their donations, as well as, helped the Armenians in need living in their countries.
The Armenian Pontiff specifically reflected on the restoration of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, with gratitude informing about the consecration and re-installation of the Cross of the central dome of the Cathedral, on June 14. His Holiness emphasized that the installation of the Cross is a sign of the Lord’s Blessings and Graces, a hope to overcome the difficulties and restore the normal life.
During the conversation, the Catholicos of All Armenians urged the clergy to strengthen the national-ecclesiastical life in all dioceses and delegates, contributing to the ceaseless preservation of national identity and brightness of the Armenian communities. The Pontiff of All Armenians noted the importance of the involvement of each Armenian in the community and ecclesiastical life due to the active pastoral work of the clergy, thus, strengthening his connection with the Church, the nation and the Fatherland.
During the conversation, the Catholicos of All Armenians urged the clergy to strengthen the national-church life in the dioceses and delegates contributing to the inviolable preservation of the national identity and the enlightenment of the Armenian communities.
