Catholicos of All Armenians Received Delegation from the Aurora Prize
25.05.2017
On May 25, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received members of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity award, among them Ms. Marguerite Barankitse, inaugural 2016 Aurora Prize Laureate; and Dr. Tom Catena, one of the five 2017 Aurora Prize nominees. They were accompanied by Mr. Ruben Vardanyan, Supreme Spiritual Council member and benefactor of the Armenian Church, and co-founder of the Aurora Prize organization.
Expressing gratitude for the Pontiff’s constant support for the initiative, Mr. Vardanyan stressed that over the centuries the Armenian Church has endowed the Armenian people with high values and strength and faith to help others. “Today, when indifference has increased in the world, we hope that our movement will give strength and confidence to change something”, he stated.
Ms. Marguerite Barankitse, reflecting on her emotions, said that since last year – after the Aurora Awards, she realized that love can triumph everywhere. “As result of this award, the love of the Armenian people was spread, bringing aid to children of Brazil, Congo, Burundi and Ethiopia. Armenians also had difficult moments, but today, thanks to her devoted sons is standing firm. We promise to walk along their path and we are grateful for giving us this opportunity”, stated Ms. Barankitse.
The Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his blessings to the participants. His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the organizers of the humanitarian initiative, confirming that the award ceremony, identifying and encouraging the dedicated people, is also a unique humanitarian campaign to demonstrate role models of those who have devoted their lives to help people in need and bring light and hope into their lives.
His Holiness also underlined that the initiative is an expression of gratitude of the Armenians to the world, to all those kind people who stood by the Armenian people during a tragic moment, and assisted and saved her children. “Being a people who survived the genocide, we value this award. Due to their love and faith our people were able to overcome all difficulties and regain their life. And our history can be a source of hope for all nations who are travelling a path of suffering and death today”, stated the Armenian Pontiff.
The Catholicos of All Armenians also conveyed his blessings and expressed gratitude to Ms. Barankitse and Mr. Tom Catena, for their humanitarian activities, noting that there is a great bliss and happiness in being useful to help others. “You are God’s hands that do good works, implementing God-gifted messages and commandments. It is thanks to your devoted and selfless service, that the world will change, love and kindness will abound in humanity and it will avoid suffering and tragedies”, said Catholicos Karekin II.
His Holiness expressed his wish that Almighty God bless and strengthen them in their divine mission. The Delegation attended the Divine Liturgy offered in the Mother Cathedral on the occasion of the Feast of Ascension.
