Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On April 22, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; hosted Mrs. Vartine Ohanian, Lebanon's Minister of Youth and Sports; accompanied by Mrs. Maya Dagher, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lebanon to the Republic of Armenia, and Mr. Vahagn Atabekyan, RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Lebanon.At the meeting, Mrs. Ohanian conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of Lebanon Mr. Michel Aoun to His Holiness; informing that she has arrived in Armenia as a special representative of the Lebanese President, to participate in the Commemoration events of the Armenian Genocide on April 24.

The Minister emphasized that the solution of the challenges and problems facing the historic Homeland is a priority for the Lebanese-Armenians and the Armenian community is trying to contribute to overcome them as much as possible.

Welcoming Minister Mrs. Vartine Ohanian's visit to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; the Pontiff of All Armenians expressed his gratitude for her visit to the Homeland during this difficult period. Referring to the tragedies that befell the two nations; His Holiness expressed confidence that they will be overcome with God’s support, optimism and historical experience. In his turn, the Armenian Patriarch conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the Lebanese President and Government.

The Pontiff of All Armenians confirmed with gratitude, that the Lebanese authorities have always supported Armenia, highly appreciating the activities of the Armenian community of Lebanon for the benefit of development and progress of Lebanon.

His Holiness expressed his gratitude to the friendly people of Lebanon for giving shelter to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and supporting the reorganization of their national life. The Armenian Pontiff expressed confidence that the friendship between the two countries should continue to be more productive and become stronger.

At the meeting, reference was made to the public life of the Armenians in Lebanon, and the difficulties they faced; noting the importance of the mission of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in preserving and strengthening the community.