Catholicos of All Armenians Issues Statement Condemning Atrocities Against Yezidis

Etchmiadzin, 25 August, 2014:
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; has sent a supportive letter to the Temporal Leader of All Yezidis, His Sublime Highness Mir Tahsin Saied Beg, which was delivered through His Eminence Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Iraq. “From the spiritual center of All Armenians, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we convey to you our condolences on the tragedy suffered by the Yezidi people in Iraq. We strongly condemn the atrocities against the Yezidi people, and are deeply disturbed by the inhumane violence that has destroyed the lives of countless innocent victims in recent days”, His Holiness’ letter said in part.

Strongly condemning the massacres and violent acts carried out against the Yezidi people, the Catholicos of All Armenians expressed confidence that the Yezidi people with their ancient heritage will endure and overcome the trials that have befallen them. His Holiness also called on the international community and organizations to immediately take steps to end the massacres against the Yezidis in Iraq.

The Catholicos of All Armenians wished that peace be restored to Iraq and that the God-loving people of Iraq resume their peaceful lives.

Source: Information Service of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Catholicos of All Armenians Sends Condolences to Pope Francis of Rome

Etchmiadzin, 21 August, 2014:
On August 21, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; sent a letter of condolence to Pope Francis of Rome, on the death of his family members in tragic car crash.

"On behalf of the members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin and our faithful throughout the world, we convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your loved ones.

We pray that the Lord will receive in His love and mercy their souls, and make them worthy to dwell in His Divine company, and grant the solace and comfort of the Holy Spirit to you, your family members and relatives.

May the Almighty God accompany You at this difficult time, and give you strength to overcome the pain of this heavy loss, and carry on Your God-pleasing Apostolic mission", said the Pontiff's message.

Source: Information Service of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

His Holiness Aram I Expresses His Condolences to Pope Francis upon the Loss of His Family Members

Antelias,23 August 2014:
On Thursday 21 August 2014, His Holiness Aram I sent a letter of condolence to Pope Francis expressing his profound sadness on the death of three members of his family, following a car crash on a provincial highway in Argentina.

Source: Armenian Orthodox Church

His Holiness Aram I Receives the Representatives of the Coptic and Antiochian Syriac Orthodox Patriarchs

Antelias,09 August 2014:
On Tuesday 5 August 2014, Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette, Coptic Orthodox Church, and Metropolitan George Saliba of Mount Lebanon, Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, met with His Holiness Aram I in Bikfaya at his summer residence. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, the Pontifical Vicar of the Diocese of Cyprus, and Rt. Rev. Housig Mardirossian, the Ecumenical Officer, were also present.

The meeting focused on the current situation in the Middle East, particularly the situation of Christians in Iraq and cooperation between the three ancient Churches. They also discussed issues arising from the theological discussions of the Oriental Orthodox family with other Churches.

Source: Armenian Orthodox Church

Catholicos of All Armenians Sends Letter to the Spiritual Leader of Azerbaijan

Etchmiadzin, 05 August, 2014:
On August 5, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, sent a letter to Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Grand Mufti of the Muslims of the Caucasus, urging him to apply efforts, so that the peaceful settlement process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will not be endangered by the countries authorities.

In the letter, the Armenian Pontiff in particular said, “The continuous firing on the border settlements by Azerbaijan, the diversionary operations and the ongoing ceasefire violations presents a serious threat to the fragile but precious peace achieved in our region.

We are deeply concerned about the tense situation, which has taken the lives of soldiers, and violated the peaceful life of border residents. God-given human life is sacred, and the right to life is sacred. The endangerment of human life is unacceptable.

Provocations and military operations cannot be an alternative to a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict through negotiations, in accordance with international standards.

Remaining faithful to the peaceful spirit of the tripartite meetings of spiritual leaders of the region, which was the initiative of Patriarch Kirill I of Moscow and All Russia, We appeal to You, as spiritual leader of Azerbaijan, to apply all efforts, so that the authorities of your country stay committed to the earlier agreements, uphold the ceasefire, and not impede the Karabakh conflict settlement process with their activities, allowing for peace and stability in the region”.

Source: Information Service of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin