Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On October 21, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; hosted the Participants of the International Conference entitled “Armenia and the Region: Lessons, Values, Perspectives”; launched on October 19, at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia; accompanied by Mr. Hagop Der-Khachadourian, ARF Bureau representative, Chairman of the Central Council of the Armenian Cause.

Introducing the participants of the conference, Hagop Der-Khachadourian expresses his gratitude to His Holiness for the reception. Welcoming the guests, the Pontiff of All Armenians noted the importance of holding such international conferences. The Armenian Patriarch expressed hope that the reports and discussions of the conference participants would be useful in terms of studying the difficult period of the history of the Armenian people and raising the issues. Referring to the difficult situation in the homeland a century ago, His Holiness stressed with confidence, that the Armenian people, thanks to their faith and optimism, today as well, will be able to overcome all the existing difficulties and trials; creating a safe, peaceful and prosperous country for the future generations. At the meeting, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians; reflected on his recent visits to Rome (Italy) and Moscow (Russia), during which, the challenges caused by the War of Artsakh and the concerning issues to our people, in particular, the issues related to the return of captives held in Azerbaijan; the encroachments on the borders of the Republic of Armenia and the protection of the Armenian spiritual-cultural heritage in the territories that under the control of Azerbaijan, were discussed. In the conclusion, the Pontiff of All Armenians answered the questions of the conference participants related to the close cooperation with the Sister Churches and the activities carried out by the Mother See to preserve the spiritual and historical-cultural values of Artsakh.