Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On December 14, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the chairmanship of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; an event entitled "WCC Armenian Round Table, 25 years alongside the communities" was held, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the WCC Armenian Ecumenical Charitable Round Table Foundation.

The event was attended by Diocesan Primates of the Armenian Apostolic Church, trustees of the Armenian Round Table Foundation of the World Council of Churches, and representatives of partner organizations. His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See and Chairman of the board of trustees of the Round Table Foundation made opening remarks.

Afterwards the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his blessings and message to the attendees, emphasizing that the jubilees are an opportunity in the life of the institutions to examine and value the past path, and also to confront the existing challenges, to rethink the mission and make it more effective. His Holiness noted that over the years, cooperating with church, state structures and non-governmental organizations, the Round Table has implemented numerous public benefit programs in the educational and social spheres, responded to problems requiring urgent support in the native life.

"The geopolitical realities, the situation in the Middle East, and the Artsakh conflict caused the foundation to consider emergency situations as a priority area of its service.  In this framework, the Round Table implemented valuable programs in the direction of providing care and work for Syrian-Armenian immigrants, providing food to the needy during the pandemic, and providing support to the people of Artsakh during the 44-day war. To this day, the Round Table continues to take part in the work of eliminating the consequences of the war," stated His Holiness.

The Armenian Patriarch also emphasized with gratitude that the Round Table, with its professional skills and abilities, has been of great use in the achievement of the Church's mission in the educational and social spheres since the first day of its establishment, and expressed his confidence that the foundation, constantly being aware of the challenges and current needs of the country, will continue to bring beneficial service to the Armenian people by implementing multifaceted programs in line with his vision.

"It is undeniable that the foundation has gone through a respectable path, recorded important achievements, but, unfortunately, the needs around us are numerous, the challenges are increasing day by day. Therefore, there is still a lot to be done for the sake of our people. We are sure that the Round Table Foundation, especially today, when the Azerbaijani authorities, by closing the Lachin Corridor, are carrying out another atrocity against Artsakh Armenians, will raise its voice in front of inter-church, benevolent organizations in the matter of protecting the right to an independent, safe and secure life of our Artsakh Armenian brothers and sisters", noted His Holiness.

At the conclusion, the Patriarch of All Armenians offered a prayer to God, so that the Merciful Lord would grant peace and security to our homeland, Armenia and Artsakh, a good and safe life to our people going through trials, wishing the Round Table Foundation new decades of good mission.

Then Mr. Karen Nazaryan, Executive Director of the Armenian Round Table of the Council of Europe, delivered his speech to the audience. The latter, referring to the foundation's history and 25-year social-psychological, diacanonical activities and development programs, expressed his gratitude to His Holiness the Patriarch for the paternal care and support he has shown over the years.