Catholicos of All Armenians Received Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office
23.11.2017
On 23 November, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Professor Ingeborg Gabriel, personal representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination against Christians and other religious faiths; and Professor Herbert Herte, a member of the German Bundestag and his wife.
His Holiness welcomed the visit of the guests, who were in Armenia to attend the
Conference on “Preventing and Countering Hate Crimes against Christians and Members of other Religious Groups - Perspectives from the OSCE and Beyond”, which highlighted initiatives aimed at the prevention and overcoming of challenges facing Christians and other religious group denominations.
The Catholicos of All Armenians affirmed that the Armenian Church is also making significant efforts towards tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and strengthening of love among peoples of different nations and religions. It was noted that the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Brotherhood of Mother See regularly participate in various inter-religious and ecumenical meetings; and conferences and discussions on these issues are held in Holy Etchmiadzin.
Catholicos Karekin II also stated that Armenian communities have long had experience living in multi-cultural and multi-religious environments. His Holiness emphasized that the Armenian people know the value of peaceful coexistence, but over the course of history have tasted the bitterness of intolerance and religious discrimination; which continues today in a number of neighboring countries.
His Holiness discussed the situation in the Middle East countries, which also affects the Armenian community. His Holiness noted the steps being undertaken together with clergy from the Sister Church, to overcome the difficulties facing Christian communities.
During the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians specifically highlighted the steps being taken by the international community, including the OSCE, to prevent and overcome intolerance and discrimination. The Armenian Pontiff also added that the facts should be brought to light to deter these disturbing occurrences, and they should never become a pawn for political gain.
The guests focused on ecumenical exchanges for the benefit of Christian minorities.
Responding to questions, His Holiness highlighted the intensification of inter-religious contacts and dialogue.
His Holiness conveyed his blessings and appreciation to the guests for their active participation and significant contribution to the conference, wishing them success in their mission.
The guests also visited the museums of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
