Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Visits the National Academy of Sciences, the National Assembly, and 'Tsitsernakaberd' Memorial
08.05.2003
On May 8, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, visited the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. Welcoming the two Pontiffs' visit, President of the Academy Fadey Sargisian noted the close cooperation which exists between the Academies of Armenia and Georgia, and spoke of the activity of the Armenian Academy and its strong ties with the Armenian Apostolic Church.
His Holiness Ilia II thanked the Academy President for the warm reception noting that the spirit of fraternity has always existed between the two nations. His Holiness Ilia II mentioned that both Churches have always been sponsors and advocates of science and culture, and that monasteries in both Armenia and Georgia have always been famous scientific-cultural centers. "The difficulties facing the scientists are part of the difficulties presently facing our people. It is our task to support our scientists by all means," said His Holiness Ilia II.
Addressing the Academy members, His Holiness Karekin II stated, "In the course of history our clergymen and scientists have always walked side by side, supporting each other. Glory to God that today as well, the relations between our Church and the Academy are solid and secure. We express gratitude and appreciation for this warm reception, and may the Almighty support and strengthen you, granting you successes in your scientific lives."
After visiting the National Academy of Sciences, the Heads of the two Churches were received by Mr. Armen Khachatrian, President of the National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia. The Speaker welcomed their visit to the National Assembly, and stated his belief that the cooperation between the two Churches benefits the national life.
In the afternoon, the two Pontiffs accompanied by delegations from both churches, visited the "Tsitsernakaberd" Memorial to the Armenian Genocide, where they offered prayers for the rest of the souls of the 1.5 million martyrs of the first genocide of the 20th Century. Following a Requiem Service, His Holiness Ilia II planted a tree in memory of the victims on the grounds of the Genocide Museum.
