Church always triumphed with spiritual devotion: Karekin II

PanARMENIAN.Net - Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received newly ordained deacons, along with clergy from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Gevorgian Theological Seminary.

On behalf of the deacons, Rev. Deacon Vram Harutyunyan expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his care and fatherly love, assuring him of their commitment to justify his trust as future spiritual servants.

Extending his blessings and congratulations, Karekin II stated that throughout history, the Church has faced many challenges, which it has overcome thanks to the dedicated service of its clergy.

He highlighted the example of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, stressing that every cleric should draw inspiration from his dedication and sense of responsibility.

The Catholicos added that in the face of present-day challenges, Armenian clergy play a crucial role in uniting the faithful around the Church and leading them toward peace through the message of the Gospel.

In conclusion, he urged the deacons to take Saint Stephen’s faith, love for God, and spirit of courage as a model, dedicating their service to the benefit of the Church and the homeland.

At the end of the meeting, His Holiness also responded to questions from the deacons, which focused on the Church’s mission and the challenges it faces.

*On December 18, ten bishops who had met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and called for the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II issued a statement in Etchmiadzin and left quickly. At the same time, a prayer service was underway inside the Mother Cathedral with the Catholicos participating.

“Another attempt at aggression against Holy Etchmiadzin was made today, unfortunately also involving some of our clergy. Yet our faithful people remain steadfast and fearless. The noise raised in the Church can never disrupt our mission or plans, which are aimed at the glory of our Church and the strengthening of our country,” Karekin II said.*