Pontifical Visit and Armenian Cross-Stone Blessing in Singapore

October 2014

On September 28, the Pontifical visit of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, was commenced.

During the visit a Divine Liturgy was held in the St. Gregory the Illuminator church of Singapore, upon completion of which His Holiness offered a Blessing service for the memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, that is placed in the courtyard of the church, as well as the blessing service of two carved cross-stones (khachkars) dedicated to the memory of His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian of Blessed Memory, former Primate of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the local Armenian community, students of the Singapore International School, clergy of sister Christian churches and diplomats.

In the evening, a reception was held in the famous Raffles Hotel, that was originally established by Armenians.

During the event, His Excellency Mr. Armen Sargsian, Ambassador of Armenia to Singapore, delivered remarks. In his speech, the Ambassador emphasized that the pastoral visit of Catholicos of All Armenians to Singapore once again proves the concern of His Holiness in the restoration and conservation of churches, and the special treatment of Holy Etchmiadzin towards the local Armenian community.

The Catholicos of All Armenians offered His blessings to the attendees; congratulating them on the successes of the previous years and urging them to continue the noble mission of Armenian preservation.

On September 29, a concert was held in the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church Hall; with performances by the talented local Armenian musicians.

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