Catholicos of All Armenians received Head of Penitentiary Department of RA Ministry of Justice
07.07.2017
On July 7, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Major-General Artur Osikyan, head of Head of the Penitentiary Department of the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Justice. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Rouben Zargaryan, Director of the Armenian Church Prison Ministry.
During the meeting, they reflected on the statuses of the penitentiary institutions of Armenia and the Department activities, also discussing issues related to the spiritual service rendered in the institutions.
His Holiness highlighted the spiritual care offered to the incarcerated serving in the penitentiary institutions, stressing that the pastorate created has a responsible mission. Catholicos Karekin II conveyed his blessings to Fr. Rouben and the 10 pastors of the Prison Ministry for their dedicated and consistent work. The Catholicos of All Armenians also expressed his appreciation to Major-General Osikyan for the assistance to the Prison Ministry program.
Major-General Osikyan highlighted the role of the clergy in terms of organizing the spiritual life of the prisoners, noting the positive effect of their regular visits. He expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for the constant attention given to the issues in the penitentiary sector.
During the meeting they discussed the possibilities for further development and expansion of cooperation between the Mother See and the Penitentiary Department.
