His Holiness Karekin II Departs for Moscow
15.10.2004
On October 15, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during a meeting with the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, announced that he was departing for the Russian Federation to join the Armenian community of Moscow as they celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the birth of His Holiness Alexey II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, head of the Russian Orthodox Church. During his two-day visit to Moscow, the Catholicos of All Armenians will also offer the service of Blessing the Foundation of the new Holy Cross Armenian Cathedral and Diocesan Headquarters for the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhijevan and Russia.
In the course of the meeting, His Holiness reflected on the recent news that the 'Jehovah's Witnesses' religious organization has received official registration by the state authorities of the Republic of Armenia, and expressed his concern at the registration of yet another totalitarian cult. His Holiness stated that attempts to justify the registration of this destructive group are unacceptable, and regards as disingenuous and unfair the accusations that the Armenian Church and her clergy are weak and incomplete in their pastoral ministry. "The Holy Armenian Apostolic Church has a mission to serve, and notwithstanding all difficulties and challenges, will bring all of her efforts to realizing that sacred mission in the lives of our people", stated His Holiness. The Pontiff of All Armenians expressed his appreciation to all faithful sons and daughters of the Armenian Church who have displayed concern and devotion regarding this issue.
Accompanying His Holiness during his visit to the Russian Federation are His Grace Bishop Navasard Kjoyan, Vicar General of the Araratian Pontifical Diocese; His Grace Bishop Arshak Khatchatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See; and Rev. Fr. Mushegh Babayan, Staff-bearer of His Holiness.
