Catholicos of All Armenians received Head Chaplain of the Armed Forces of Canada
On February 24, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Mr. Guy Chapdelaine, Head Chaplain of the Armed Forces of Canada, who arrived in Armenia on a cognitive visit. He was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Canada and His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, Head Chaolain of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia.
During the meeting, His Holiness welcomed the mutual cooperation between the Head Chaplains of the Armed Forces of the two countries, stressing its’ importance in terms of the exchange of experience and making the service of the clergy more effective in the Army.
The Catholicos of All Armenians also referred to the activities of the Armenian Army's spiritual leadership and the service of the clergy, stressing that it has an important role. His Holiness stated that during the history of the Armenian people the Armenian Church and its servants were constantly standing beside the Armenian soldier, struggling for the freedom of the Armenian people and for the establishment and protection of the independent Armenian statehood.
The Head Chaplain of the Armed Forces of Canada also noted his visit to Armenia as a good opportunity to share with the spiritual leadership of the Armenian Army the experience of conducting spiritual service in military units and relevant knowledge in the field. Mr. Guy Chapdelaine also highlighted the presence of a clergyman in the life of the soldier, especially in difficult circumstances.
At the conclusion, His Holiness blessed the Head Chaplain of the Armed Forces of Canada and wished him God’s support in his sacred and responsible mission.