Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On December 28, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the deacons of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, on the occasion of the feast of St. Stephen the Proto-Deacon (on December 26 this year). The deacons greeted the Armenian Pontiff singing the hymn “St. Stephen, Sweet Bird”, then, following the Lord’s Prayer, on behalf of the members of the Brotherhood, His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan addressed His Holiness, emphasizing that the deacons have gathered to receive the Blessing of the Armenian Patriarch, to listen to His Pontifical advice and exhortations, to continue their service with more zeal in the Armenian churches all over the world. In his speech, His Grace Bishop Moushegh also reflected on the brave service of the chaplains during the Artsakh war, which confirmed the mission of being a devoted and true descendant of St. Stephen the Proto-Deacon. Then, the Pontiff of All Armenians conveyed his Pontifical massage and Blessings to the deacons. His Holiness noted with regret, that this year, the feast of St. Stephen was not celebrated with special solemnity in the Mother See, because of the severe consequences of the war. However, the Armenian Patriarch emphasized the importance of the meeting with the deacons, touching upon the mission of the Armenian Church, the service of the deacons in the Church all over the world, as well as, in the life of the Armenian people, and to continue their spiritual service to the Armenian sons diligently. On this occasion, His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the deacons for their devoted service, in particular, noting their useful service to the Armenian Army, proving what kind of spirit they were inspiring, and conveying courage to the soldiers with their own examples. The Armenian Patriarch noted with gratitude that during both the epidemic conditions and Artsakh war, all the clergy showed high consciousness and spirit of devoted service, fully participating in the defense of the Homeland, having great contribution to the solutions of various problems. Reflecting on the current situation, and the importance of the implementation of the spiritual care in the lives of the Armenian sons, the Pontiff of All Armenians emphasized, that the clergy, including the deacons, have a lot to do to alleviate the pain and loss of the families and individuals who have suffered the most from the consequences of the war and need support. In this regard, His Holiness presented the mission of the Committee formed for the implementation of the "Let's Support Artsakh" social program of the Mother See, noting the importance of the involvement of the deacons in the program. In the conclusion, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, urged the deacons to continue their patriotic and God-pleasing service with unconditional devotion and zeal, wishing them the help, support and the Blessings of God so that the Armenian Church became prosperous and beloved for the children of the nation due to their service.