Official Visit of His Holiness Karekin II to Finland Concludes
11.06.2004
On June 7, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, concluded his official ecumenical visit to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and returned to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Pontifical delegation had departed for Finland upon the invitation of the Most Reverend Dr. Jukka Paarma, Archbishop of Finland and Turku, Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
During meetings with Archbishop Paarma and His Eminence Archbishop Leo of Karelia and All Finland (Finnish Orthodox Church), the three spiritual leaders underlined the importance of inter-church and ecumenical relations. The Armenian Pontiff expressed hope that cooperation would be continued not only between the Heads of Churches, but also between church-based organizations and structures.
In the course of the visit, His Holiness met with Mr. Matti Taneli Vanhanen, the Prime Minister of Finland. His Holiness spoke of the great tragedy which befell the Armenian nation and people at the beginning of the 20th century in the Ottoman Empire, and expressed regret that there are still many states which have not officially recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide, which was one the gravest crimes committed against the whole of mankind.
During the five-day trip, the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Pontifical delegation visited the Finnish Bible Society, had meetings with the administrative staff of the Department of Theology of the University of Helsinki and became acquainted with the work and activity of the scientific/research centers of the Department. His Holiness was also received by the philanthropic organizations of both Finnish Churches.
His Holiness also met with the local Armenian community, giving them his Pontifical blessing and encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith, continue to love their homeland and to be loyal, contributing and honorable citizens of the Republic of Finland.
His Holiness Karekin II was accompanied during the journey by His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Krikorian, Pontifical Legate for Central Europe; His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrosian, Director of Inter-Church Relations; His Grace Bishop Yezras Nersissian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhijevan and Russia; and Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamian, Staff-bearer of His Holiness. Mr. Vladimir Karmirshalian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Finland, Kingdom of Denmark and the Kingdom of Norway, accompanied the Pontifical delegation in Finland.
