From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, led a remote video conference with the leaders of the Armenian Church in North America on Monday, August 3.
Taking part were the three Primates of the North American dioceses: Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese, Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan of the Canadian Diocese, and Bishop Daniel Findikyan of the Eastern Diocese. Fr. Vahram Melikyan of Holy Etchmiadzin’s communications office also attended.
Catholicos Karekin II started the meeting on a fatherly note of affection, appreciation, and concern for the wellbeing of the Primates, clergy, and faithful of the three dioceses. He conveyed his gratitude for the outpouring of compassion and support the Mother See and Armenia have received as they face the pandemic crisis and the Azeri military incursions against Armenia’s northern border.
“In these difficult days, our homeland needs the support of all its children,” said His Holiness, to which the three Primates heartily concurred, stressing the need for solidarity and spiritual unity as homeland and diaspora communities endure the trials of this age. In addition to matters of health and security, the church leaders discussed their concerns over government plans to exclude church history from the curriculum of Armenia’s public schools.
To conclude the virtual gathering, the Catholicos led the three arachnorts in a prayer for the peace, health, and safety of the Armenian homeland, its diaspora, and all the Armenian faithful of the world.
Click the following link to view a video report of the meeting.