Catholicos of All Armenians Welcomed Volunteer Defenders Union Board Members
01.04.2016
On 01 April, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; welcomed the board members of the Volunteer Defenders Union; in the Vache and Tamar Manoukian Library and Manuscript Repository of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The delegation was led by Major General Manvel Grigoryan, President of the union.
Present at the meeting was His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Director of the External Relations and Protocol Department of the Mother See; His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See, and Defender Union members.
Following recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, Major General Manvel gave remarks, and introduced the mission and activities of the Volunteer Defenders Union as well the projects being implemented ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia. The President of the Union stressed the importance of the partnership between the Mother See and the Volunteer Defenders Union especially in the sphere of the instilling youth with a patriotic spirit.
The Catholicos of All Armenians extended His Pontifical blessings and expressed his appreciation to the members of the Union.
Stressing the Union members’ contribution in the protection of Artsakh; His Holiness noted that the defender’s victorious spirit and accountability will live on in coming generations due to the Union’s work and efforts.
His Holiness expressed His joy, that today, the defenders continue to fulfill their mission in the most important sphere: in the education and upbringing of the younger generations and the formation of mindfulness to be the worthy sons of their Homeland.
On this occasion Armenian Pontiff expressed His Gratitude for the close cooperation between the Mother See and the Volunteer Defenders Union adding that the Armenian Church will support their programs and activity.
His Holiness prayed for the Armenians who have sacrificed their lives for the protection of their Homeland noting that the Armenian people have forged their victories because of them. The Armenian Pontiff added that today the brave spirit of these martyred people is securing the country's borders.
At the conclusion, His Holiness expressed confidence that today as in the past, with God’s blessings the Armenian people, as a result of their brave son’s devotion and service; is able to live in peace building prosperous and progressive lives.
