Catholicos of All Armenians Received US Pilgrims
03.07.2017
On July 2, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. They were accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese; and Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, Parish Priest of St. James Armenian Church in Boston.
His Holiness conveyed his blessings to the pilgrims, and gladly stated that the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin always welcomes her pilgrims with love. He urged the pilgrims to share the sanctities of the homeland with enthusiasm, as they were created by their fathers through their feelings of love and faith towards Christ and His Glorious Resurrection. He also advocated that every Armenian make a pilgrimage trip to Armenia.
The Catholicos of All Armenians expressed his conviction that their visit to Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin will inspire and strengthen them.
The Armenian Pontiff expressed with satisfaction that during his pontifical visits, he has always seen the strong faith of the Armenian-Americans and their devout love and devotion towards the spiritual center of all Armenians. Reflecting on the challenges facing the Diaspora, His Holiness urged the attendees to preserve their patriotic life, and that the Armenian language always resound in their families, and through faith, prayer, and kind and Godly, acts strengthen the Mother Church and brighten the pious Diocese.
During the meeting, Catholicos Karekin II also answered the questions of the pilgrims concerning the mission of the Mother See and the activities of the spiritual-educational institutions.
Following the meeting, the pilgrims attended the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral and visited the Mother See museums.
