Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Artsakh is a sanctuary, there is the honor of our people” Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians On May 15, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Mr. Ashot Ghulyan, Chairman of the Artsakh Republic National Assembly, and his delegation. They were accompanied by Mr. Vladimir Vardanyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. The Artsakh delegation arrived in Armenia on the occasion of the regular session of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh. The Catholicos of All Armenians highlighted these Inter-Parliamentary meetings during which they jointly discuss issues facing Artsakh, in order to overcome all the challenges through joint efforts, to defend the fair rights of the Artsakh people and find ways for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. In that process, His Holiness noted imperative the unity and cooperation. His Holiness noted, that the Armenian Church in turn, does all the possible to contribute to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, constantly voices about the Artsakh issue in ecumenical and international platforms. His Holiness Karekin II assured that Artsakh is always in his prayers, the Armenian Church is always with Artsakh, willing to support the people of Artsakh. The Catholicos of All Armenians confirmed that our people worldwide are inspired and enthusiastic about Artsakh and that Artsakh has an important role in consolidating and unifying it. Referring to his Pontifical visit to Artsakh, His Holiness emphasized that he always returns comforted and encouraged, seeing the faithful and courageous spirit of Artsakh, which keeps the boundaries of the country unbearable. According to the Pontiff, the strong and centuries-old faith, optimism and courage of the Armenians of Artsakh create a spirit of triumphal will in the nation. In turn, Mr. Ashot Ghulyan, expressing gratitude to the Catholicos of All Armenians for the constant care and attention shown towards Artsakh and its people, informed about the issues, general problems and concerns of the region discussed on the agenda of the regular sitting of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. The Chairman of the National Assembly underlined the importance of the existing cooperation for solving issues of national concern and implementation of national programs. Speaking about the spiritual life of the Artsakh people, Mr. Ghulyan expressed gratitude to His Holiness for presiding the opening and consecration services of the Holy Mother of God Church in Stepanakert on April 7, adding that it has caused great enthusiasm among people. At the conclusion, His Holiness wished that the people of Artsakh live in peace and always be victorious both in the Homeland-building or the fair struggle of the Homeland. His Holiness asked the Almighty God to keep our people in love and unity, so that he can always be powerful and capable of guiding his dreams into reality.