Catholicos of All Armenians Received Delegation from Pázmány Péter Catholic University of Hungary
23.03.2016
On March 23, in the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Manuscript Repository of the Mother See, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received a delegation from the Pázmány Péter Catholic University of Hungary, led by their Rector, Dr. Szuromi Szabolcs. They were accompanied by professors and students of the Yerevan State Pedagogical Institute, led by their Rector Professor Ruben Mirzakhanyan (Doctor of Historical Sciences).
The meeting opened with a prayer. Professor Mirzakhanyan expressed delight on the occasion of the visit of the guests to the Holy See, and presented details on the emerging partnership between the two educational institutions. He noted that a cooperation agreement had been signed, under which the most important educational institution, founded in the 18th century in Hungary, would have a Chair of Armenian Studies established in the coming years, as well as an exchange program for faculty and students.
His Holiness then conveyed his blessings to the audience. His Holiness emphasized his joy at hosting a Catholic university rector, professors and students at the Spiritual Center of All Armenians.
Reflecting on the historical relationship, His Holiness said that this collaborative association will mend the warm ties that remain between the two friendly nations, that was founded in the 10th century. His Holiness spoke about the educational and cultural institutions created by the Armenian community and the Armenian people in Hungary.
The Catholicos of All Armenians spoke on the Armenian Church's mission, history and the contemporary challenges.
The Supreme Patriarch also touched upon the fraternal relations between the Armenian Apostolic and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as the upcoming visit of Pope Francis. His Holiness recalled that on 12 April 2015, in observance of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Roman Pontiff celebrated a Liturgy at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. His Holiness stressed that the Armenian people will always remember with gratitude the support shown by the Pope.
Rector Dr. Szuromi Szabolcs gave his remarks. He noted the great respect for the Armenian Church and the path of the people, noting that it was important for him and the students of Pázmány Péter Catholic University of Hungary, to visit the Armenian people's spiritual center and communicate with the Catholicos, as well as become acquainted with the cherished values and sanctities of the Armenian people. Rector Szabolcs also expressed his appreciation for the close ties between the two institutions.
In conclusion, His Holiness wished everyone a pleasant stay in Armenia. Condemning the heinous terrorist act in Belgium of March 22, His Holiness invited the guests to join in prayer to remember the victims of war and terrorist acts in various countries.
The meeting was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Director of the External Relations and Protocol Department of the Mother See.
