Catholicos of All Armenians Received the Representatives of “Calouste Gulbenkian” Foundation
11.10.2019
On October 11, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the representatives of “Calouste Gulbenkian” Foundation accompanied by Mr. Vahe Mkhitarian, chairman of the Armenian-Portugal Friendship Association.
Mr. Vahe Mkhitarian informed the Catholicos of All Armenians that the visit has been organized within the events of “The Portugal Days in Armenia” dedicated to the 150 th anniversary of Calouste Gulbenkian and expressed hope that it will contribute to the strengthening of relations between the two countries. Conveying His Pontifical Blessings to the attendees, His Holiness highly appreciated the mission of the Foundation and its productive work that is being implemented in the life of Armenia and the Armenian people due to the efforts of the Foundation.
His Holiness with gratitude noted, that with the support of the Foundation, a significant achievements have also been made in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. In 1954, with the support of the Foundation, the renovation of the Mother Cathedral was implemented, which was followed by the construction of the Guest House of the Mother See. In the following years, the Foundation also has contributed to the activities of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary.
During the meeting the Pontiff of All Armenians also spoke about the role of the Armenian Church and the Christian Faith in the Armenian people’s lives. His Holiness emphasized that it is due to the strong Christian Faith that the Armenian people have been able to withstand all the difficulties that have faced on their way. According to the Pontiff of All Armenians; the benefactor Calouste Gyulbenkian, a beloved son of the nation, was also the bearer of such a faith.
At the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians also answered the attendees' questions concerning to the relationships between the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic Churches. The Administration of the Foundation invited His Holiness to visit Portugal.
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