Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On January 10, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians was awarded the Order of Honor of the Russian Federation. His Holiness was awarded the state award by the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin for his great contribution to the development of cultural-humanitarian ties between Russia and Armenia.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, Primates of Armenian dioceses, Brotherhood of the Mother See and heads of various structures.

Following the welcome remarks of His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Director of the External Relations and Protocol Department of the Mother See, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Armenia Mr. Sergey Kopirkin read the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, and then presented the Order of Honor of the Russian Federation to His Holiness.

Afterwards, the Patriarch of All Armenians conveyed his blessing and message to the attendees. The Armenian Patriarch, on behalf of the Russian Ambassador, thanked President Vladimir Putin for his sincere attention and appreciation, and emphasized in particular: "Our nations have a rich history of centuries-old friendship, which has been hardened and tempered by shared tribulations and difficulties and many victories. The brotherhood of our people is firmly established on our Christian faith and common values we profess."

His Holiness noted the direct efforts of the Russian Federation and President Vladimir Putin personally in ending the 44-day Artsakh war, as well as the ongoing support for overcoming the disastrous consequences of the war, ensuring the safety of the Artsakh Armenians, and the protection of Dadivank Monastery and the ancient Armenian sanctuaries, as evidence of the friendly attitude and support towards the Armenian people.

Referring to today's challenges, the Armenian Patriarch recorded: "These days, all of our souls are troubled by the humanitarian crisis created in Artsakh due to the blocking of the Lachin Corridor. We pray that the efforts of the Russian peacekeepers, aimed at removing the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and overcoming the catastrophic situation in Artsakh, will be successful. With the help of Almighty Lord, let our region regain its peace, restore the territorial integrity of Armenia and let the international community recognize the right of our people of Artsakh to live safely, freely and independently in their native land."

Observing the awarding of this high award by the Russian Federation, valuing the historical role of the Armenian Church in the strengthening of Armenian-Russian friendship, spiritual and cultural ties between Armenia and Russia, and appreciation of the important contribution of the Armenian community in the life of Russia, His Holiness confirmed that the Armenian Apostolic and the Russian Orthodox Churches, under the leadership of their Patrairchs, will make every effort to further strengthen and perpetuate this age-old friendship.

At the conclusion, the Patriarch of All Armenians offered a prayer to God that in today's stormy and troubled world, the Most Merciful Lord will pour His graces of peace on the lives of all mankind and keep the two brother nations in safety and prosperity, rewarding fruitful cooperation and permanent achievements.