Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel sent a message of congratulations to His Holinesss Karekin II this week, as the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians turned 70.
Faithful across the globe marked the occasion on August 21, 2021. At His Holiness’ request, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin acknowledged the milestone without any formal fanfare, beyond encouraging prayers for the wellbeing of the Armenian Church and people.
Subsequently, in a note to the public, His Holiness expressed gratitude for the outpouring of goodwill and warm wishes he had received on his 70th birthday.
Click here to read the Armenian original of Bishop Daniel’s letter.
Read and English translation below.
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Vehapar Hayrabed,
The clergy, the members of the Diocesan Council, and all of the faithful of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America salute you and offer you our heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of your Holiness’ 7oth birthday.
The sacred mission that you have undertaken for the Armenian Church and Armenian faithful as Catholicos of All Armenians for two decades has been crowned with success. With the strength of your faith, you have been able to overcome great difficulties and complications. And today, the spiritual center of All Armenians, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, has arrived at her spiritual height and has assumed an honorable and worthy of respect place among all international religious institutions.
On this occasion, all churches of our Diocese have been instructed to remember your Holiness’ birthday on Sunday, August 22, and to ask the Lord to always “cause His Right Hand to overshadow you.”
Wishing your Holiness good health and many sun-filled days.
With humility I approach to kiss Your Holiness’ Anointed Holy Right Hand,
Bishop DANIEL
Primate