Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On October 19, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the delegation headed by Miklos Panyi, Deputy Minister of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office.

His Holiness, referring to the restoration of Armenian-Hungarian relations, expressed his appreciation to the Hungarian government for its support to the Christian communities in the Middle East countries, to the forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh, and for the mediating efforts invested in the repatriation of five Armenian prisoners of war in 2021.

In his remarks, the Armenian Patriarch referred with concern to Azerbaijan's occupation of the sovereign territories of Armenia and ongoing encroachments, the challenges facing the depatriated Artsakh Armenians, the preservation of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh and the return of captives, stressing that also due to the inadequate response of the international community, Azerbaijan carried out its criminal and the genocidal policy. In this regard, His Holiness expressed hope that the international community and Hungary will also take consistent and decisive steps to protect the rights of Artsakh Armenians, as well as to prevent such tragedies in the lives of peoples.

At the meeting, His Holiness mentioned that the Armenian Church, according to everything, is trying to bring its usefulness to the Artsakh Armenians, who are in the midst of losses and social difficulties, and shows the necessary care within the scope of their existence and meeting their needs.

In his turn, Deputy Minister Miklos Panyi, referring to the strengthening of Armenian-Hungarian interstate ties, assured the Armenian Patriarch that the Hungarian authorities will continue to support the Artsakh Armenians and to implement mediate efforts to return the Armenian captives.