The First Pilgrimage of the Armenian Church Chaplaincy of the Armenian Armed Forces to the Mother See
24.06.2019
On June 24, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received officers of the Armenian Church Chaplaincy of the Armenian Armed Forces 5th Army Corps and Armavir Army unit officers and their families within the framework of spiritual, national and cultural events entitled "Christian Family, Protected Homeland".
It was the first pilgrimage of the Armenian Church Chaplaincy of the Armenian Armed Forces to Holy Etchmiadzin on the occasion of declaring 2019 as the Year of Family by the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II. The officers first visited the museums of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin with their families, communicating with the centuries-old spiritual sanctuaries of the Armenian Church, following which they met with His Holiness.
His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, Head Chaplain of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia made welcoming remarks, expressing gratitude to His Holiness for always being with the Armenian Army and supporting them.
Afterwards, His Holiness extended his personal appreciation to the commanders, officers and their families for their patriotism and love towards God. His Holiness specifically drew the attention of the officers to the fact that patriotism comes from godliness. “The greatest commandment that God has given us is the commandment of love: love to each other, as well as towards the homeland, nation and towards family. Everything as a permanent value has been created with love. All lasting values have been created in our souls with love towards our homeland, our Church and our God, stated His Holiness”.
His Holiness Karekin II also highlighted the strong relation and cooperation between the Armenian Church and Armenian Church Chaplaincy of the Armenian Armed Forces, particularly reflecting on the role of spiritual servants in the life of each officer as they carry out their daily service with the Armenian officers.
Conveying his love and humility to the present officers for their patriotic service, His Holiness confirmed that the brave soldiers, commanders and their families of the Armenian army are always in his prayers.
At the conclusion, His Holiness wished that the Almighty God keep the Armenian soldiers and their families under His permanent blessings, in order they faithfully and courageously continue their dedicated service.
On behalf of the Armenian Church Chaplaincy of the Armenian Armed Forces 5th Army Corps, Commander Colonel Andranik Piloyan, expressed his gratitude to the Catholicos of All Armenians for the constant attention towards the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the "Treasures" choir of the St. Anna Church of Ararat Patriarchal Diocese performed spiritual and national songs.
