President of the Federal Republic of Germany Visits the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
01.04.2025
On April 1, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Federal Republic of Germany, who was in Armenia on an official visit, paid a visit to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, warmly welcomed President Steinmeier and his esteemed wife, Mrs. Elke Büdenbender, in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness presented the significant role of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and Holy Etchmiadzin in shaping the national and Christian identity of the Armenian people, as well as its vital mission in preserving Armenian heritage.
His Holiness emphasized that, throughout history, the Armenian people, empowered by faith and trust in God, have risen above many Golgothas drawing strength from the example of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, including the Armenian Genocide at the outset of the 20th century. His Holiness expressed confidence that, with the same faith and determination, the Armenian people will surmount the challenges currently facing their homeland.
Considering that President Steinmeier was scheduled to visit Azerbaijan, His Holiness respectfully requested that the President raise crucial issues during his discussions in Baku, including the protection of the legitimate rights of the people of Artsakh, the urgent release of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages, and the preservation of Armenia’s invaluable spiritual and cultural heritage.
His Holiness affirmed that a lasting and sustainable peace in the region could only be achieved through principled dialogue that ensures a just resolution, thereby fostering conditions for the peaceful coexistence of nations.
In turn, President Steinmeier expressed his sincere gratitude to His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II for the opportunity to visit this revered Christian sanctuary and underscored the pivotal role of religion in promoting peace and mutual understanding among nations. President Steinmeier assured His Holiness of his commitment to facilitating efforts to secure a durable and lasting peace in the region.
Following the meeting, His Holiness Karekin II and President Steinmeier jointly offered a prayer at the Holy Descent Altar, asking God for global peace and the well-being and safety of all humanity.
Upon completion of his visit, President Steinmeier, accompanied by Bishop Serovbé Isakhanyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany, toured the Mother Cathedral and was briefed on the historical significance and recent restoration efforts of this sacred site.
