Catholicos of All Armenians Received National Council of Switzerland Delegation
07.02.2018
On January 7, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Mr. Dominique de Buman, President of the National Council of Switzerland, and his delegation.
His Holiness with satisfaction confirmed that Armenian-Swiss relations have always been friendly and welcomed the delegation's mission to further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries. The Armenian Pontiff noted with appreciation the important support that Switzerland offers Armenia; contributing to the efforts to overcome challenges and help establish peace in the region.
His Holiness noted that Switzerland, where the World Council of Churches (WCC) is located, also has great importance in Ecumenism.
The Catholicos of All Armenians stated that the Armenian Church, as a member of the WCC, participates in the ecumenical movement with the conviction that religious dialogue plays a key role in establishing peace and reconciliation between peoples. His Holiness spoke about the warm ties and ecumenical relations of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church with the Sister Churches.
The Catholicos of All Armenians expressed his wish that Switzerland, faithful to her values, always remain an advocate of justice and voice of the truth, contributing to the restoration of peace between peoples.
During the meeting, President de Buman expressed his appreciation for the visit to the spiritual center of all Armenians and meeting with His Holiness. Mr. de Buman spoke about the importance of faith in the life of man, conveying information on the existing approaches on Church-state relations in different Swiss cantons.
The President of the National Council also presented to His Holiness the international humanitarian and peace-loving activities implemented by Switzerland. President de Buman also referred to the Switzerland-Armenian cooperation, assuring that Switzerland will continue to support Armenia.
During the meeting, they spoke about the efforts of the Armenian Church towards the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict.
His Holiness presented to the delegation the Church's spiritual and social mission in the life of the Armenian people and reflected on the challenges facing the Church.
At the conclusion, His Holiness wished the delegation a productive mission, for the benefit of strengthening the cooperation and the friendship between the two nations.
Attending the meeting were His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Director of External Relations and Protocol Department of Mother See and Rev. Fr. Shahe Ananyan, Director of the Ecumenical Relations Department.
