Catholicos Karekin II Honored with Patriarchal Award by the Russian Orthodox Church

DECR – OCP News Service – 19/03/2025

Etchmiadzin -Armenia : His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, was presented with the Order of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Kyiv, Moscow, and All Russia (1st degree) by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate, during an official visit to Armenia on March 17–18, 2025. The award, conferred with the blessing of His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, recognized his 25 years as the head of the Armenian Orthodox Church. The ceremony took place at the Catholicos’ residence in Etchmiadzin.

Strengthening Interchurch Relations

On March 17, the delegation held a meeting with His Holiness Karekin II at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Senior representatives from both Churches participated, including Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan, and Archimandrite Karekin Ambartsumyan from the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with Archimandrite Philaret (Bulekov) and Priest Nikolai Vasin from the Russian Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan Anthony conveyed fraternal greetings from Patriarch Kirill, acknowledging Catholicos Karekin II’s dedicated service to the Armenian Apostolic Church and his efforts in preserving Christian identity. In response, the Catholicos expressed gratitude for the strong ties between the two Churches, emphasizing their historic cooperation and shared spiritual mission.

During the discussions, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to academic and theological collaboration, with the Russian Orthodox Church expressing appreciation for the Armenian Apostolic Church’s ongoing participation in theological studies at the Moscow Theological Academy. They also addressed pressing global challenges and the importance of interchurch solidarity.

Recognition of Armenian Christian Heritage

In his congratulatory message, Patriarch Kirill commended Catholicos Karekin II’s role in revitalizing the Armenian Church, particularly in the aftermath of past religious persecutions. The message also acknowledged his support for the Russian Orthodox Church, his dedication to Christian unity, and his efforts to protect Armenian Christian heritage sites, such as the Dadivank Monastery.

The Catholicos expressed deep appreciation for the Russian Orthodox Church’s support during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, noting the significance of spiritual and diplomatic backing in times of crisis. He also reaffirmed his solidarity with the Moscow Patriarchate regarding the situation in Ukraine.

Source: DECR