Catholicos of All Armenians Received the President of the Serbian National Assembly
09.02.2016
On February 9, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Deputy Maya Goykovich, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and her delegation. She was accompanied by Mr. Eduard Sharmazanov, the Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.
His Holiness welcomed the guests and noted with satisfaction that due to recipricol visits at high state level, the friendly relations between the two nations are becoming increasingly closer. The Catholicos of All Armenians reflected on the Armenian community established in Serbia since ancient times and the historical Armenian-Serbian ties.
Taking the occasion, His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the Serbian people, for the assistance provided to the Armenians during the disastrous earthquake of 1988.
His Holiness also reflected on the existing warm relations and cooperation between the Armenian Apostolic and Serbian Orthodox Churches.
Deputy Goykovich spoke about the historical past and current cooperation between the two nations. She also stressed the importance of ecumenical relations between the two churches, noting that the church plays an important role in the life of society.
During the meeting, they also spoke about the challenges facing the countries and the support of the churches in overcoming them. In this regard, His Holiness affirmed that the Armenian and Serbian peoples, who profess the same Christian values, have survived all the trials during the centuries with hope and faith, and have realized their wishes and cherished dreams through the spirit of optimism.
His Holiness also conveyed his fraternal greetings to Patriarch Irineos of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Attended the meeting was His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Director of the External Relations and Protocol Department.
