Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

The three-day retreat for the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin continued in the Mother See on Friday, June 25. Friday morning began with Morning Services in the Mother Cathedral. The first presentation of the day was by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Dz. Vardapet Baronian, from Rumania. His topic was: "How can we implement the Edification of the 'Body of Christ' both in ourselves as well as our faithful flock?" In the afternoon, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanian, Primate of the Diocese of Georgia, presented his lecture entitled: "The brave pastor in the Gospel of John and the similarities and differences with the present-day pastor-monk". The participants had lively discussions on the topics presented. 

The clergymen also reflected on the many challenges facing Christianity, differences in their realization of pastoral work, and various approaches for overcoming hardships. Finally, the members of the Brotherhood examined issues related to the state of the Armenian Nation and the resulting challenges in preserving and promoting Christian and family values. 

In the evening, the retreat participants visited the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Yerevan and offered Evening Services in the sanctuary. Prior to their return to the Mother See, they also visited the Yerablur National Cemetery and offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the heroic soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the liberty and independence of the Motherland. 

Nearly 65 priests, all members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, are in Armenia participating in this retreat organized under the auspices and blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The young priests have traveled from more than 20 different countries, representing every continent in the world. The retreat continues on Saturday, July 26 and will conclude on Sunday with a visit to the Diocese of Gegharkunik.