On September 4, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Metropolitan Anthony conveyed to His Holiness the fraternal greetings and best wishes of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, reaffirming the Russian Orthodox Church’s support for the Armenian Church.
He referred to the important role of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church in the life of the Armenian people, describing any interference by secular authorities in the Church’s internal affairs as unacceptable.
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II then offered his blessing and prayers to the delegation led by Metropolitan Anthony. His Holiness specifically expressed gratitude for the consistently warm attitude and support shown by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ toward the Armenian Church and the Armenian Catholicos. The Catholicos spoke with satisfaction about the relations and cooperation established between the two Churches, expressing hope that this brotherhood would remain strong and steadfast and contribute to further strengthening the centuries-old ties between the two friendly peoples.
During the conversation, the sides addressed repression and persecution against Churches. They stressed that through God’s mercy, the dedicated service of clergy and the steadfast faith of the people, all trials and difficulties could be overcome.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his fraternal greetings to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, wishing him good health as well as many long and fruitful years of patriarchal ministry for the flourishing of the Russian Orthodox Church and the well-being of his faithful flock.
