Supreme Spiritual Council Convened in Moscow, Russia
On May 16th, under the Presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council was convened at the headquarters of the Armenian Diocese of Russia and New Nakhijevan (Moscow, Russia), upon the invitation of the His Eminence Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Russia and New Nakhijevan.
Following the Lord’s Prayer, the members offered a prayer to God for the blessed memory of Academician and Supreme Spiritual Council member Vladimir Barkhudaryan.
The Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his Pontifical blessings to the clergy and lay members of the Supreme Spiritual Council. His Holiness expressed satisfaction that the Supreme Spiritual Council was convening their regular meeting in Moscow, as 2017 marks the 300th anniversary of the foundation of the Armenian Diocese in Russia. After being informed on the jubilee year main events to be held in September, His Holiness congratulated the Diocesan Primate on behalf of members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the service of the Armenian Church in the blessed country of Russia, asking that the Lord keep strong the friendship between the Armenian and Russian peoples, and the cooperation between the two countries and churches.
Expressing his wish for productive session for the spiritual council, the Catholicos of All Armenians also asked for God’s support to all Armenians worldwide, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and its devoted servants.
The Chairman of the first day's sessions was His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.
Mr. Aso Tavitian, President of the Tavitian Foundation; presented a report on the project to improve the operations of the Armenian Church. Mr. Davidian reported on the activities carried out so far and the necessary consultations that have been conducted.
Following a discussion on the information presented, the Supreme Spiritual Council expressed their appreciation to Mr. Davidian, as well as to the clergymen and laymen included in the program's advisory body, for their important commitment.
During the three-day meeting the Constituional charter, and items related to diocesan, national and social issues will be discussed.