Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On September 1, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received a group of clergymen of the Catholic Church led by Father Hyakinthos Destivelle, Secretary of the Eastern Churches Section of the Vatican Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, arrived in Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on a familiarization visit.

After welcoming the guests, His Holiness conveyed his blessings and best wishes to them.

The Armenian Patriarch spoke with gratitude about the close relations and effective cooperation between the Armenian and Catholic Churches.

During the meeting, His Holiness referred to the difficult situation in the region, in particular to the continuous encroachment by Azerbaijan on the sovereign territories of Armenia and the complete blockade of Artsakh, as a result of which the Armenians of Artsakh faced a humanitarian disaster. The Armenian Patriarch also spoke about the Azeri policy aimed at destroying and usurping the spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh.

The Patriarch of All Armenians also expressed confidence that the children of the Armenian people will be able to overcome all the challenges and trials they face with God's support, strong Christian faith and friendly countries.
In turn, Father Hyakinthos Destivelle, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, conveyed to His Holiness information about the details of the familiarization visit of the group of Catholic clergy to Armenia and the Mother See.