Catholicos of All Armenians Received Canadian-Armenian Pilgrims

On 22 September 22 Armenian pilgrims from Canada were received by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. They were accompanied by His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Canada.
Introducing the Armenians who travelled to the Homeland on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, Bishop Abgar stated that the Canadian-Armenians and the Armenian Diocese had always been involved in the social and cultural life of Armenia, offering support to overcome problems in the homeland. “The Mother See and the Homeland are not only symbols but the real meaning of life, through which our faithful live”, stated Bishop Abgar. On behalf of the pilgrims, he asked for the blessings of His Holiness.
The Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his Pontifical blessings to the pilgrims and highly praised the Diaspora’s and especially, Canadian-Armenian’s devotion and love towards the homeland and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness noted that such visits provide an opportunity for Armenians to raise their spirituality, who after rejuvenating their national, patriotic and spiritual feelings, should depart and with new enthusiasm and become involved in the progress of their community life.
Reflecting on the problems facing the Homeland, the Catholicos of All Armenians noted: “We have lived and withstood all our difficulties due to our strong faith and our love for the Homeland”. His Holiness stressed the importance of the active and direct participation of all Armenians around the world in the prosperity and construction of the native country.
His Holiness also stressed that he always prays for the children of the Diaspora, asking for God’s support, to enable them to keep their commitment to their sacred land, and national and spiritual values.
Once again conveying appreciation to the Canadian-Armenians for their patriotic and church-loving spirit and dedication, His Holiness urged them to educate their children with the same patriotic spirit and put their efforts and talents towards betterment of the Homeland and the Armenian community of Canada.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians wished the representatives of the Armenian community of Canada to always stay strong in their faith, their love for their homeland and continue to enrich their lives and brighten their communities and Church.