Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On March 29, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Mrs. Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, accompanied by Deputy Minister Ara Khzmalyan.

The Catholicos of All Armenians welcomed the Minister's visit to Holy Etchmiadzin, spotting it an opportunity to learn about the existing problems and programs in the fields of education, science and culture, as well as the steps being taken to preserve historical sanctuaries and national-spiritual heritage in Diaspora and Artsakh.

In his remarks, the Minister of RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, gave clarifications on various issues, expressing her willingness to cooperate with the Mother See in related fields, to implement joint programs and in favor of integration of efforts and opportunities for the settlement of various problems. Mrs. Zhanna Andreasyan specifically reflected on the preservation and restoration of historical monasteries and churches, the preservation of Artsakh's cultural heritage, the actions to be taken in the field of rights protection on international platforms, and the ongoing preaching activities.

During the meeting, the Patriarch of All Armenians raised concerns of the Church regarding the state standard of general education, especially the subject "History of the Armenian Church", affirming that the purpose of this subject introduced as a result of the long-term work of the state and the church is to provide the young generation with Armenian upbringing, to form the consciousness of national identity, to create a value system, which, among with knowledge, can form a solid foundation for the progress, safe and prosperous life of our people. In this sense, His Holiness noted that it is the expectation of the Church that the work of the formed joint committee on education will be resumed and acceptable solutions will be found regarding the preservation of the subject.

In this regard, the RA ESCS Minister presented the methodology of creating the state standard of general education, emphasizing the maintenance of value education component in school, and also emphasizing the great contribution of the Armenian Church in the formation and establishment of the national school.

Issues related to the general principles and mutually agreed actions for the preservation and restoration of historical sanctuaries, the undisturbed preservation of Artsakh's cultural heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan were also discussed. The cooperation between the ministry and the office of preservation of the spiritual heritage of the Mother See of Artsakh, as well as within the framework of the joint committee on the preservation of historical monuments, was emphasized on both sides.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the RA ESCS Minister visited the Residency Museum, and also got acquainted with the progress of the Mother Cathedral's maintenance and repair work.