His Holiness Karekin II Visits Armenian Churches in Moscow
06.03.2004
On March 3, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Yezras Nersissan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhijevan and Russia, and Mr. Armen Smbatian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Russian Federation, visited the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in Moscow.
His Holiness offered a prayer, asking that the Almighty always protect and keep the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and the Russian Orthodox Church secure and strong, to carry out their mission in the lives of their faithful.
Following the prayer, His Holiness extended words of appreciation to the Diocesan Primate, the diocesan clergy and the faithful in attendance, for their zeal in maintaining their national identity and faith. "Come to this church, which for many centuries has rallied the people, and educated them with spiritual and national values. It is here that our faithful have gained strength, recognized their identity, have known and worshiped God, and made their vow to always remain devoted and faithful to Christ." said His Holiness. He further expressed his desire that all Armenians living in Russia would remain steadfast in their love towards their Mother Church. His Holiness exhorted the faithful flock to continue to live according to God?s commandments, so that each of their lives should be a good and triumphant life in faith.
The same afternoon, the Pontiff of All Armenians visited the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, which is presently under construction in the center of Moscow. His Holiness toured the construction site and reviewed the progress being made.
