Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On June 26, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received priests participating in regular three-week Priest Accelerated courses.

At the meeting, the director of the "Garegin I" educational center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhannisyan, introduced to the Armenian Patriarch the clergy gathered at the Mother See from different dioceses of Armenia and the Diaspora, and reflected on the effectiveness of the training courses.

Then His Holiness greeted the spiritual fathers and conveyed his paternal blessings, emphasizing the importance and usefulness of the courses for the more effective pastoral service.

The Catholicos of All Armenians noted these courses as a good opportunity to learn about the difficulties in the homeland and to jointly reflect on the issues affecting the national life. His Holiness expressed particular concern regarding the security challenges facing the country, the social problems of Artsakh Armenians and the dangerous manifestations of intolerance and hostility in the national life. The Armenian Patriarch urged the priests to engage in overcoming the existing problems, strengthening and building the homeland by involving the communities under their responsibility.

Expressing his appreciation to the churchmen, the Armenian Patriarch affirmed with satisfaction that thanks to the dedicated service of the spiritual class, the mission of the Church in the life of the people is more strengthened today.

His Holiness also answered the priests' questions related to the canonical, ritual and pastoral life of the Church.