Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On November 04, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the Speaker of the Assembly of Representatives of the Supreme Assembly the Republic of Tajikistan Shukurjon Zuhurov and his delegation being on an official visit in Armenia

Welcoming the guests, His Holiness presented the Speaker of the Parliament of Tajikistan the key events of the centuries-old history of the Armenian people, affirming that the Armenian Church has played a great role in the preservation of the spiritual-cultural values and national identity of the Armenian people. The Pontiff of All Armenians emphasized that the Armenian people and Church, particularly, had great losses in 1915 during the Armenian Genocide committed by Turkey. Reflecting on the years of the Armenian Independence, His Holiness noted, that the Armenian Church makes efforts to restore its full mission in the lives of the Armenian people.

The Catholicos of All Armenians noted with joy that the relations and close cooperation between the Armenian and Tajik people are growing at the highest level, which will contribute to the progress and good life of the two countries. His Holiness Karekin II also expressed his gratitude to the Authorities of the Republic of Tajikistan for their caring attitude towards the Armenians living in their country.

In his turn, Mr. Shukurjon Zukhurov, congratulating His Holiness on the 20 th anniversary of the his Enthronement, wished good health and new achievements. He noted that he is well aware of the Church and Homeland building activities of the Pontiff of All Armenians.

Mr. Shukurjon Zukhurov emphasized that the relations between the two nations have come from the depths of the centuries, which creates an important platform for the development and strengthening of the relationships between the two friendly states.

During the conversation, the mission of the religions was stressed in the establishment of tolerance among the nations, as well as, in the formation of the dialogue and mutual recognition of culture.  

During the meeting, His Holiness reflected on the meetings that he had with Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Head of the Muslims of the Caucasus. through the mediation of His Holiness Kirill I, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, which were aimed at promoting the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabagh conflict. In regard to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, the Pontiff of All Armenians highlighted the importance of the efforts of the international community, namely the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are making.