Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On 15 September, the 2-day international conference “300th Anniversary of the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhijevan and Russia: Past and Present” was launched. The conference was held in the Events Auditorium of the Armenian Diocese of Russia and New Nakhijevan. The event was organized by the Diocese, with the blessings and attendance of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; with roughly 60 Armenologists, historians, theologians, artists and culturologists from Armenia, Russia and Ukraine participating.

The Conference began with the opening remarks of His Eminence Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan, Primate of the Diocese. Reflecting on the conference, organized as part of the events celebrating the historical anniversary of the Diocese; His Eminence stressed that the conference is an opportunity to unite them all for the preservation of a sacred ancestral heritage; and that it is the continuation of the revival of their values, thus contributing to the spiritual, cultural and mutual scientific enrichment, and strengthening of brotherly ties between the Armenian and Russian peoples.

His Holiness Karekin II, conveyed his Pontifical blessings and message to the organizers and participants of the conference.

“We reflect with satisfaction that this historic diocese of Russia and New Nakhichevan of our Apostolic Holy Church, which played an invaluable role in the life of our nation, finished its third century. Being created under historically and politically complex and difficult conditions for our Church and nation, the Diocese actively participated in the mission of the Armenian Church, gathering and supporting our people in Russia under its spiritual care. The activities of the Diocese have been multifaceted in our national-church, scientific, literary and cultural life. Through the efforts of our faithful and patriotic children, Armenian churches have been built here; and our prominent centers and institutions of national education and enlightenment, science and culture were established; which have kept the faith of our people bright. Living under the patronage of Russia's blessed power, the children of our nation, achieving great successes, have also made good contributions to the country's state, social and economic life; military glory; and development and progress of science and culture, strengthening the brotherly love of the Armenian and Russian people”, stated the Catholicos of All Armenians.

His Holiness was pleased to highlight the development of the church-building and pro-national mission of the Armenian Diocese of Russia and New Nakhichevan today, which is being accomplished through the efforts of spiritual servants and devout sons, led by His Eminence Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan. Expressing his appreciation to the organizers and supporters of the conference, His Holiness noted that the event was the best opportunity to look ahead to the imperatives of the new era, praising the achievements of the past activities of the Armenian Church and future visions in the Diocese.

At the conclusion, praying for the strengthening of the friendship between the two nations and fostering of relations and cooperation between Armenia and Russia, His Holiness wished for Almighty God to bless with His Holy Right the church-devoted and patriotic efforts and accomplishments of the Armenian Diocese.

Mr. Vardan Toghanyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentary of Russia to the Republic of Armenia, made welcoming remarks.

During the conference, a report was presented by Very Rev. Fr. Shahe Ananyan, a member of the Brotherhood of Mother See, and Director of the Ecumenical Relations Department of the Mother See.

The two-day conference was organized by the Armenian Studies Center of the Diocese, in cooperation with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; RA National Academy of Sciences; Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran; National Archives of Armenia; RA Ministry of Education and Science; Armenian Embassy in Russia and Chief archival department of the Moscow Region.