Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On July 9, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received young Diaspora Armenian students and musicians participating in the "Global Leadership" and "Musical Armenia" programs of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), as well as the Montreal (Canada) scout group, accompanied by Vazgen Yakubyan, the Armenian President of AGBU and member of the Central Board of AGBU.

At the meeting, Mr. Yakubyan informed His Holiness that around 35 Diaspora Armenian youths have arrived in Armenia to enrich their knowledge in the fields of Armenian language and Armenian singing, to familiarize themselves with Armenian culture and history, and to strengthen their connection with the motherland.

The Patriarch of Armenia, expressing his gratitude to AGBU for such an initiative, noted the importance of the visit of young Armenians of the Diaspora to Armenia, especially in these difficult days, so that the latter can communicate not only to the spiritual and cultural values of the homeland, but also the situation in the country, the humanitarian crisis created in Artsakh and the current security issues. In this regard, His Holiness urged the young people to return to their countries encouraged by new charges of patriotism and zealously make every effort to contribute to overcoming the challenges facing the Armenian people.

The Armenian Patriarch commanded that the Armenians should support the strengthening of their communities and the building of unity with their knowledge and youth energy, in order to preserve the national identity and bring useful service to the motherland.

During the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians also answered the questions of Diaspora Armenian youth, which were related to the ways of overcoming the difficulties existing in the Armenian communities, Artsakh and Armenia.

At the conclusion, His Holiness blessed the Armenians with the "Protector" prayer.