The Catholicos of All Armenians Hosted the Archbishop of Canterbury
05.10.2023
On October 5, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; hosted His Eminence Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Leader of the Anglican Church.
Welcoming the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness emphasized the importance of the visit of the leader of the Anglican Church to the region, which will provide an opportunity to gain a complete understanding of the prevailing situation and contribute to the protection of the just rights of our people.
At the meeting, the Armenian Patriarch referred to the challenges facing the forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh, the return of captives, preservation of Artsakh's spiritual and cultural heritage, and Armenia's security issues. His Holiness also emphasized with concern that the Azerbaijani aggression against the sovereign territories of Armenia continues even today.
In his remarks, the Catholicos of All Armenians noted with satisfaction that the existing warm relations between the two Churches are documented by rich historical testimonies, also confirming that the Anglican Church was next to the Armenian people in difficult moments.
Addressing the challenges facing Armenia, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby conveyed his support to the Patriarch of All Armenians and assured that the Armenian people are not alone. His Eminence, referring to the heroic past of the Armenian people, emphasized that the children of the Armenian people will be able to overcome all difficulties and trials with their loyalty to God. The Archbishop of Canterbury also emphasized the importance of joint efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the region.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians had a private conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury.
