PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Dn. Armen Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: DnArmen@etchmiadzin.am
April 13, 2003
His Holiness Karekin II Blesses Children on Palm Sunday
On Sunday, April 13, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin celebrated Palm
Sunday, commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem.
Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, under
the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians. The celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop
Housik Santourian.
Early in the day the courtyard of the Cathedral quickly filled with young
families in anticipation of Palm Sunday services. Following Morning
Services, as the Pontifical procession of deacons, priests and bishops
entered the courtyard, they were greeted by hundreds of faithful waving
palm and willow branches, which they had brought to church to be blessed.
His Holiness and the Members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin,
surrounded by the faithful, conducted the `Andastan’ Service in the
courtyard of the Cathedral, and blessed the four corners of the world, as
well as the palm and willow branches.
In attendance for the Divine Liturgy were an extraordinarily large amount
of children, from very young infants with their families, to high school
and university students. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, His Holiness
the Catholicos blessed all of the children who were present, and offered
a prayer for all Armenian children scattered throughout the world. In
his message to them, the Armenian Pontiff stated, `Under the luminous
arches of our Holy churches, we continue this sweet tradition of blessing
our beautiful children on Palm Sunday. Praise is due to you, parents and
grandparents, for bringing them today to participate in this Divine
Sacrament and receive a blessing. Praise is due to you children, as
well, for coming and following in the footsteps of your forefathers.’
Addressing the gathered children, His Holiness said: `You children will
be educated with God’s unceasing love and caring commandments, so that
you may recognize the good in your lives, and you will be able to keep
your direction on the right paths. We ask from our Lord in heaven, that
His all-provident gaze keep and protect you, our dear children, so that
you may be faithful, dedicated servants of our Holy Faith, as well as
worthy citizens of our free and independent homeland.’
Following the service, the children approached His Holiness, kissed his
anointed right hand and received a personal blessing.
Yorumlar kapatıldı.