His Holiness Karekin II Receives Delegation of Staff Members of United States Senators and Congressmen
18.08.2003
On Sunday, August 17, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received a delegation of senior staff members of United States Senators and Congressmen, who are in Armenia at the invitation of the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA). The nine staff members work for Senators and Congressmen, representing elected officials from the States of California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Serving as legislative directors and analysts, they have direct input on Armenian related issues. Arpi Vartanian, AAA Country Director for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, and Rob Mosher, AAA Congressional Relations Director, accompanied the delegation.
His Holiness welcomed the delegation to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, noting that they are visiting on one of the five major feast days of the Armenian Church, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. His Holiness expressed appreciation and gratitude to the guests and all those in the United States who support Armenia and various Armenian issues in their legislatures.
During the course of the meeting, His Holiness referred to the importance of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, and their work towards the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, which is currently one of the items being deliberated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. The conversation also touched on the issue of Nagorno Karabagh, its population, and the peaceful resolution of their liberation struggle. His Holiness noted, "We believe that the conflict over Artsakh will have its just solution, and the sons of our Nation will live in peace and security on the soil of their historic homeland."
His Holiness also answered questions from the guests concerning the activities and ministry of the Armenian Church, specifically in the spheres of Christian Education, preparation of clergymen, construction and renovation of churches, and social services.
