On September 16-17 under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a Supreme Spiritual Council meeting was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with new members. At the beginning of the meeting Catholicos of All Armenians offered his blessings to the participants, wishing them a productive meeting. His Holiness welcomed the presence of the new Supreme Spiritual Council members; His Eminence Archbishop Karekin Bekdjian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany; His Grace Bishop Haigazun Najarian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Australia and Pontifical Legate of India and the Far East; and His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain.
The participants also discussed the draft charter project of the Armenian Church Representative Assembly, which was presented by the chairman of the Charter Drafting Committee, His Eminence Archbishop Yeznik Petrosian, Primate of the Diocese of Tavush. Based on the completed recommendations, the revised draft was scheduled to be discussed in the upcoming Armenian Church Representative Assembly.
The SSC members also listened to the report by the Primate of the Shirak Diocese, His Grace Bishop Mikael Ajapahian, Chairman of the Drafting and Editing Committee for the Diocesan Bylaw Guidelines, about the progress of individual Dioceses in implementing of the guidelines in their respective Diocesan Bylaws. The Supreme Spiritual Council, expressing appreciation for the work that has been completed, urged that the completion of the process continue in the Dioceses. The Council, noting the importance of the effectiveness of standardized bylaws within the Armenian Church, advised the dioceses to zealously complete the implementation process of the adopted document. Chancellor of the Mother See, His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatrian, presented the SSC members the Committee proposals on amended changes to the Diocesan Bylaw Guidelines adopted in 2009. The proposed changes are aimed to expand the participation of lay members in the Dioceses management process, as well as to clarify and regulate the relationship between the Mother See and the dioceses.
The Supreme Spiritual Council took into consideration the report of His Grace Bishop Arshak Kahachatrian, about the preparatory activities being undertaken for the Blessing of the Holy Chrism service.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, presented a report as Chairman of the Mother See’s organizing committee for events dedicated to the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During the discussion of the report, a review was made of the Memorial events planned by the Armenian Church dioceses worldwide. The participation of Sister Churches Religious Leaders, ecumenical organizations, and representatives of other religions was highlighted in the 2015 planned events.
During the meeting the SSC members also heard the report of His Eminence Archbishop Yeznik Petrosian, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Armenia regarding the Bible’s translation and proofreading of the “Holy Etchmiadzin”. His Eminence informed the Council that through the initiative of the His Holiness Vasken I of Blessed Memory, the classical Armenian (grabar) translation of the Holy Bible was implemented in 1985, and with the blessing of Karekin II, the book has been proofread over the last 10 years by the Bible Society, with the support of the members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Supreme Spiritual Council, welcomed the completed work, and expressed appreciation to all those who had given their contributions in the important activities of the Bible’s “Holy Etchmiadzin” translation and proofreading.
Armenian Church Representative Assembly Convenes in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On September 18, in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the 5th Armenian Church Representative Assembly was convened. The Assembly was attended by representatives of the Armenian Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople, Pontifical delegations, Diocesan Primates of Armenia and the Diaspora, lay delegates, members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin and members of the Supreme Spiritual Council.
The Assembly was opened with the Lord’s Prayer. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a member of the Supreme Spiritual Council and Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; gave opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of the works of the Armenian Church Representative Assembly, in continuing the vibrancy and effective mission of the Armenian Church.
The Catholicos of All Armenians offered his Pontifical blessings and remarks to the 155 delegates of the Armenian Church Representative Assembly:
“Dear spiritual Fathers and Beloved children of our faithful,
With a joyful spirit we welcome you in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the sacred spiritual center of our nation, and under its blessed auspices, and by the will of God, we are again united in the Armenian Church Representative Assembly with this new enlarged body. We welcome the presence of our Hierarchical Sees; representative of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, His Eminence Archbishop Aris Shirvanian; and His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshian, Patriarchal General Vicar, representing the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople
We stress the importance of the Assembly’s activity, which represents the Hierarchal Sees and our Dioceses worldwide, which must engage in the following issues: processing of Constitutional changes to the Charter of the Armenian Church, organization of ecumenical life, and the best implementation of the church’s mission. In this regard, we emphasize the importance of last year’s convening of the unprecedented joint Bishop’s Synod – a combined meeting of the Bishops of the Catholicosate of All Armenians and the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia. This meeting must also become a regularly scheduled occurrence; strengthening our mission. New conditions and challenges of modern times bring the need for better prepared and constant actions, imperative in the ecclesiastical field. Today the problems in the spiritual- ecclesiastical life of our people need urgent solutions, unified devoted activities, and partnerships.
Dear beloved, the vitality and energy of the church is derived from the love of Jesus, which unites each child of the church, and is the heart, life, and deeds of every community member. Our ecclesiastical structures and the efforts towards overcoming difficulties and challenges will be carried out with the spirit of love and servitude, which our Lord commanded: “But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10.43-45). We must use this spirit of fraternal love and zeal for each other as power and leverage for the spiritual-ecclesiastical and national reforms, and strengthening of our life.
For carrying out the Assembly tasks in a more organized and effective manner, the agenda also includes discussion on the draft Charter of the Armenian Church Representative Assembly. The issues concerning the implementation process for the Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, remains on the Assembly agenda. Referring with appreciation to the work that has already been accomplished on this issue, we must note that the revision work of the individual Diocesan bylaws has not yet concluded, according to the charter guidelines approved by the Armenian Church Representative Assembly. The delays in standardizing ecclesiastical life, weakens the Church’s mission, continuing to give rise to arbitrary practices. We once again highlight that the charter guideline are based on our Ecclesiastical law, cannons, and rules, and does not limit the powers and authority of dioceses. In previous years, in this regard, wrong comments have been made and excessive suspicions displayed, which are the result of altered mind-sets and unchanging stereotypes. To date, comprehensive reference work and detailed explanations have been offered. At present, the unfinished condition in some Dioceses of the adoption of the Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws is incomprehensible and unacceptable, and this work needs to be completed with proper haste.
Great attention should be paid to the reality that our parish and community life reflects the great effects from shifts in our nation. Communities are infused with new members, but these changes, which have been ongoing for years, are not reflected within the activities of the Diocesan structures. A disproportionate involvement of community members occurs in the diocesan processes. We may note that often in comparison to the number of Armenians living in the Diocesan area, their participation is less in the spiritual and religious life, events and initiatives. It is necessary to strengthen the dissemination of information in advance of these challenges, launch more wide-ranging activities, and among the active members of the Church actively recruit those Armenians who only partially participate in the ecclesiastical life. In the Diaspora, there continues to be concern over the preservation of a national consciousness among the new generation, the usage and proficiency of the native language, and the challenges of mixed marriages. It is necessary to implement new programs aimed towards keeping young people inside the national fold, nurturing and educating spiritual and national values.
The Christian’s important role in the life of society is being destroyed by the frequent distortion of moral values, which has a devastating impact in the scope of world and faith matters. Indeed, we have church-loving youth organizations in every Diocese. Under the auspices of the Mother See the world-wide Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO) has been established; Sunday schools and Youth centers are operating. Although work has been done, it is worth it to put greater efforts to extensively involve young people in the mission of our Holy Church in Armenia and the Diaspora, and towards strengthening their spiritual and religious knowledge, faith and zeal.
In this coming year, our nation will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. We’ll offer incense to heaven in memory of our martyrs; becoming strengthened in our will and faith to see justice. We’ll make an effort to make the major anniversary an opportunity for strengthening our lives and to achieve universal recognition of the Armenian genocide. On this occasion our Church will fulfill the sanctification of our innocent martyrs. In 2015, in Holy Etchmiadzin we’ll offer the sacred Blessing of the Holy Chrism, for the comforting of our people, strengthening of our faith and Christian values, unity of our people and unity around the Mother See and our Homeland.
Dear beloved, you know that the preservation of the Armenian identity and successful activities are an inseparable part of the mission of our Holy Church, the implementation of which many pious Armenian sons and daughters of our dioceses worldwide offer their contribution with the blessings of our Lord. The zeal of the faith and love of the Homeland is inseparably connected in our nation’s soul, which we must always be kept awake and bright. It is absolute that we will build our bright future on firm foundations of our native state. The fertile soil is the national statehood, on which the nation reveals and manifests her spiritual potential, and implements her ideals. Currently, our country, along with the achievements of the two decades of independence, is facing economic and social problems, difficulties and political challenges. In recent months, on the borderlines of Artsakh and Armenia, many cases of ceasefire violations have proven how fragile peace is. Our people are concerned about the Artsakh conflict and the peaceful settlement and international recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; the elimination of the illegal blockades of Armenia; international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and issues of condemnation and reparations; and the problems and difficulties of Armenians and communities who are involved in the conflicts in the Middle East, Syria, Iraq and the Ukraine. All of which our church draws attention to in the ecumenical arena, and through it, makes their voice heard to the responsible officials of the states and international organizations as well as urges and encourages Armenians worldwide to unify efforts to solve national problems. This representative assembly is also called on to reflect and discuss support for the homeland and those plans and recommendations related to solving the national life’s existing problems, which can be implemented through our Church and ecclesiastical organizations.
We believe that the Armenian Church Representative Assembly activities will promote the efficiency of the mission of the Church, urgently responding to our nation’s concerns and questions, proposing suggestions and projects, and making appropriate decisions that will support the work of the Armenian Church Representative Assembly with a unified mission, realizing new achievements in the national- ecclesiastical life.
We heartily pray, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that the work of this Assembly is effective and that the support and assistance of Almighty God guides us in our ministry. We ask that Almighty God grant peace and prosperity to Armenians around the world, our Homeland and with his Holy Right Hand, keep our Apostolic Holy Church unwavering and bright. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and with everyone, Amen”.
After the Pontifical blessing and mandate, the participants were welcomed on behalf of the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Eminence Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, by Patriarchate representative His Eminence Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, “We are gathered here jointly to discuss highly important ecclesiastical and national issues that need solutions. It is desirable that we approach these issues seriously and in solemn understanding for the benefit of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the entire Armenian people”, said His Eminence Aris, referring also to the current turbulent situation in the Middle East, which endangers the presence of Christians in the Middle East countries.
His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshian, Patriarchal Vicar General of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople; also welcomed the participants, expressing gratitude to the Lord that once again granted the opportunity to unite under the auspices the Mother See. “Such meetings are very important events, especially at present, when the Armenian Church more than ever needs to demonstrate a strong position of unity to resist the destructive power of various sources. Again, such meetings will have positive results when they serve for strengthening the faith and building of spiritual life to at least one member of the Armenian Church”, noted His Eminence Aram, further stating that the participants of the Assembly, symbolizing a unified class of clergy and lay, must work together relying on God, taking into consideration the Armenian Church’s steadfast will and accomplishments, spiritual prosperity and strengthening.
The official opening of the Assembly was followed by nomination and election of officers and committees. By result of voting, serving as the Assembly co-Chairman are His Eminence Archbishop Yeznik Petrosian, Primate of the Diocese of Tavush; and Dr. Varoujan Altebarmakian, member of the Supreme Spiritual Council and of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. His Eminence Archbishop Abraham Mkrtchian, Primate of the Diocese of Vayots Dzor, and Mr. Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, member of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain were elected to serve as vice chairman. Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamian, Vicar General of the Armenian Diocese of France; Rev. Fr. Tiran Petrosian, Pontifical Legate of Central Europe and Sweden; Dr. Lynn Cetin, member of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; and Mrs. Ruzanna Chopikian, member of the Diocese of Artik; were elected to serve as members of the Audit Committee.
During the three-day meeting, the agenda items to be discussed are making amendments to and implementing results for the Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws as well as the draft Charter of the Armenian Church Representative Assembly. A report from the Mother See will be given on the committee organizing and coordinating the events for the Armenian Church on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and about the canonization process of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
Catholicos of All Armenians and Catholicos of Cilicia attended Opening of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference
On September 19, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; and His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia; attended the opening ceremony of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference, during which Catholicos of All Armenians brought his blessing and message to the conference participants.
REMARKS OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II,
SUPREME PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
“ARMENIA-DIASPORA” 5TH CONFERENCE
(September 19 Yerevan, Armenia)
Distinguished President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic,
Dear Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia,
Beloved Patriarch, spiritual fathers,
Honorable participants of the conference, pious children of our beloved Church,
Honorable guests,
We have come from Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to welcome you on the occasion of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference and to bring our Pontifical blessing to the work of this conference.
Our souls are joyful, that you are again united from our communities worldwide, Artsakh and Armenia, and with unity, commitment, and a willing spirit, contemplate the urgent problems of our life, which need necessary attention and decisions both in Armenia and in Diaspora. We have the same vision; to make our homeland protected and powerful, thriving and developing, and keep the Diaspora secure, prosperous and vibrant. Our nation has undertaken great sacrifices for this cause, has united around national and patriotic programs, in which the Armenia-Diaspora Conferences have had an important role.
The strengthening relations between the Homeland and the Diaspora, and their close cooperation, is an imperative in our life. With this consciousness our people; although worldwide, remain as a whole ensemble, a spiritual inner world with the same identity, aspirations and hopes. The real divine presence and heavenly support of our life is in such unity, as our Lord Jesus Christ promises those united in his name (Matthew 18:20).
The hopes and prospects of a bright future and eternity, coincide in the crux of strengthening the Homeland. In the most recent phase, the numerous cases of ceasefire violations on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the Karabakh-Azerbaijani forces contact line, and the continuous shelling of border regions, show how fragile is our country’s peace. The danger threatening our safe and peaceful life in the Homeland and for our people, once again emphasizes the necessity of being allied and united. Indeed, in our country there are still imperfections, manifestations of injustice, misdemeanors and crimes, which should not cast a shadow on our patriotism and filial love and loyalty towards the Homeland. Dear attendees we direct our speech to you with this confidence.
Our gathering is highlighted by the fact that it is being convened on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which must compel our people to create a bright future and will in their lives, with positive reinforcement.
The government, religious, national and international, forces and programs, plus, our entire personal and complete efforts in which you have direct involvement, should be fully directed for this purpose.
We must also continue our coordinated activities, for the task of universal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and for our just cause of protection. The issue of international Genocide recognition is a priority for the Armenian Church. We were all encouraged by the fact that within the last decades numerous countries, state institutions and religious and public organizations have recognized and continue to recognize the Armenian Genocide, recognizing that the implementation of justice for the Armenian people is essential, and more truthful and peaceful for the formation of the world. Works are underway in our Church, directed at the canonization of our innocent victims, which we must implement in April 2015, within the sanctification cannons and traditions of the church; and with the faith that the heroism of our martyrs, and their eternal memory, will sustain and strengthen our future generations.
The best way in 2015 to honor the memory of the innocent victims on the 100th anniversary, would be to see our families continue to multiply and grow with children. We direct this appeal to our people and our young families. Today, under conditions of false and empty ideals, it is necessary, that we strengthen our care and efforts for educating our children with Armenian traditions in the Diaspora and the Homeland, so that they live with sincere and flourishing feelings of nationalism, love for the Homeland and nation, and that they continue with faith; firmly standing on the paths of salvation hope and eternal life.
With these ways we should be guided towards our desirable shore.
The continuing problems of our children in the conflict situations continue to be a great concern of our national life. The situation in the Middle East region is distressing, in the Ukraine it is martial law, where we have Armenian communities. Especially in Iraq and Syria, the Islamic violence and acts of terrorism threaten the peaceful population and especially for the Christian, including the Armenian communities, compelling them to leave their homes. From the first days of the outbreak of the conflict in Syria, we have urged our Dioceses of the Diaspora to exert all possible means for raising the issue before the state, diplomatic, international, ecumenical, legal protection organizations and companies, so that the displaced population through necessary appropriate means, be able to return to their homes as soon as possible and continue their peaceful lives. At the same time, we have made a call to invest more efforts and encourage the faithful Armenian sons to support their sisters and brothers with moral and material assistance, so that they can overcome the difficulties, as well as we implement the Mother See programs, helping the affected communities and the Armenian immigrants.
Dear beloved, the spirit of brotherly love, patriotism and unity, the values of peace building, justice and truth, will always give might to our spirits. We will grow our homeland with those values, keep the Diaspora vibrant, become hope and support and a brace to each other to overcome difficulties and achieve our desires.
Praying to God, we wish for productive results of the conference works.
We ask for the blessings of God for the life of our Homeland and people worldwide.
Let the love and grace of the Lord be with us and everyone; Amen.
Republic of Armenia President Attends the Armenian Church Representative Assembly
On September 20 at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, President Serzh Sargsyan, of the Republic of Armenia, attended the 3rd day of the Armenian Church Representative Assembly at the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
Welcoming the presence of Armenia’s President to the Armenian Church Representative Assembly, the Catholicos of All Armenians reflected on the importance of the Representative Assemblies, in working towards overcoming various challenges facing the Armenian Church and to anchor the ecclesiastical life on the principles of the canons. His Holiness expressed gratitude to the President for his constant support of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church for strengthening the mission. The Supreme Patriarch also offered his best wishes to President Sargsyan.
President Sargsyan addressed the delegates. The President wished them productive work at the 5th Armenian Church Representative Assembly and directed his remarks at all the delegates of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, gathered together at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – the representatives of the Hierarchical Sees, and members of the Pontifical delegations and Dioceses. The President on behalf of himself and all state agencies of Armenia again expressed a commitment to stand firmly in support of all the patriotic affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.
During the session, President Sargsyan, responded to the members’ questions, which related to the opportunities for strengthening the church-state cooperation, particularly in advance of the planned events or the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide; the support shown to Armenians who have moved to the Homeland from Syria, the socio-economic problems of Armenia and the proposed solutions being implemented by the state; and the recent developments and prospects for the peaceful negotiation process of the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
At the conclusion, His Holiness once again expressed his gratitude for the visit of the RA President, emphasizing that the Armenian Church with its all Dioceses and institutions, must continue to bring loyalty and support to the native state; on the path to overcoming the problems and difficulties facing the nation, and the realization of the cherished dreams of our people.
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