Most Revered Dr. Jukka Paarma, Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, Arrives in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
17.08.2002
On August 17, upon the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the official delegation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, headed by the Most Reverend Dr. Jukka Paarma, Archbishop of Turku and Finland, arrived in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Holiness and the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin greeted Archbishop Paarma and his entourage at the Gate of Tiridates in view of the Mother Cathedral. Under the tolling bells of the sanctuary, they processed into the church for a welcoming service.
In front of the Holy Altar of Descent, the Catholicos of All Armenians welcomed the Head of the Lutheran Church of Finland to Armenia. His Holiness also welcomed the presence of the Ambassadors of Finland to Armenia, and of Armenia to Finland.
Following the service, the procession moved to the Official Residence of the Catholicos (Veharan), where His Holiness introduced Archbishop Paarma to the Diocesan Primates, the members of the Supreme Spiritual Council and high-ranking members of the clergy. In turn, Dr. Paarma introduced the members of his entourage to those present.
During the three-day stay, the delegation will have the opportunity to visit the Monastery of Khor Virap, the fortress and church at Amberd, the Vazkenian Theological Seminary of Sevan, the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum at Tsitsernakaberd, the Monastery of Geghard, and Yerevan's Mother Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral.
On Sunday, August 18, the delegation will attend the Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.
On August 19, His Holiness Karekin II and the Most Reverend Dr. Jukka Paarma will meet with His Excellency Robert Kocharian, President of the Republic of Armenia, and with Mr. Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The delegation will depart Armenia on August 20.
