Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On March 22, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; hosted the two priests: Rev. Fr. Mkhitar Haroyan and Rev. Fr. Khachatur Hayrapetyan; who were ordained on September 13, in 2020; on the Feast of the Exaltation of Holy Cross; in the St. John the Baptist Church of Gandzasar Monastery; and completed their traditional 40-day seclusion period of fasting during the days of war, in the Gandzasar Monastery. They were accompanied by the Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh His Grace Bishop Vertanes Abrahamyan. His Grace Bishop Vertanes introduced the priests to the Pontiff of All Armenians, informing that the newly ordained Priests are serving in the Armenian Church: Ref. Fr. Mkhitar – in the Diocese of Atsakh, and Rev. Fr. Khachatur – in the Diocese of Syunik. Then, His Holiness conveyed his Blessings to the Reverend Fathers on the occasion of their appointment to implement their pastoral service; emphasizing that the guarantee of the productive and successful service is the unconditional love towards the people, the commitment, responsibility and unconditional devotion towards the community. According to His Holiness, it is due to the manifestation of these virtues that the spiritual pastor can be loved and respected by the people. Regarding the difficult post-war situation and the depressed mental state of the people, the Armenian Patriarch confirmed that the sons of the Armenian people need more spiritual care and attention. His Holiness expressed confidence that the Reverend Fathers will carry out their spiritual service with a great sense of responsibility; empowering their community to overcome the current challenges, and strengthening the positive spirit and faith towards the future of the country. At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness blessed the newly ordained Priests with the “Protector” Prayer, wishing them successful, blessed service.