His Holiness Karekin II Receives Armenian Ambassadors
03.05.2004
On May 2, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received the heads of the diplomatic corps and consulates of the Republic of Armenia accredited in foreign states. Their delegation was led by Mr. Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Armenia.
His Holiness welcomed the delegation of nearly 40 ambassadors and consuls to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and noted with happiness their presence and participation during the Divine Liturgy.
The Catholicos of All Armenians addressed the group of Armenian diplomats, stating in part, "It is worthy of appreciation that as part of your annual gathering, you have come to Holy Etchmiadzin to receive the blessing of the Armenian Pontiff and our 1700 year-old Church. The ambassadors and the consuls of our state accredited in foreign countries honorably represent our state, but through their zealous activity, also greatly contribute to the development of international relationships, and bring their benefit to the solutions of various important problems facing our people."
His Holiness noted with much satisfaction and happiness, that the relationships which exist in foreign countries between the Armenian state diplomats and the spiritual diplomats - Armenian Church Diocesan Primates and clergymen, were very close and based upon a true spirit of cooperation and love. The Catholicos stressed that due to combined efforts, they try to fulfill all demands that are placed upon them, both from the state and the Church.
On behalf of all the guests, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian expressed his gratitude to the Pontiff of All Armenians for the audience, and noted, "Your Holiness, I am confident that the visit to the Mother See was important for all of us, as it will revive our sacred national feelings and emotions. Filled with hope, we will continue on the realization of our mission with more zeal, spiritually renewed and having received the blessing of Holy Etchmiadzin."
