Catholicos of All Armenians Received Participants of the 6th International Eastern Rite Research Conference
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – September 2016
On September 13, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the participants of the 6th International Eastern Rite Research Conference. The Conference is being held from September 11 to 15 in the Mother See.
Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, a member of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, Director of the Clara and Zohrab Information Center (Eastern Diocese of the USA), and co-founder of the conference; introduced the guests to His Holiness, expressing appreciation for the warm hospitality and the invitation to convene the conference in Holy Etchmiadzin.
Professor Bryan Spinks (Yale University), Chairman of the conference; explained to His Holiness the mission and goals of the research and conference. Prof. Spinks emphasized with gratitude that it was the first time that the conference was being convened in the Spiritual Center of a Church.
His Holiness Karekin II conveyed his blessings to the attendees. In his remarks, he noted that the convening of the conference in Holy Etchmiadzin helps the churches to become familiarized with each other; imparting each other’s traditions, rites and religious values. The Armenian Pontiff also mentioned that the conference contributes to the work of the ecumenical movement.
His Holiness expressed his personal appreciation to the participants of the conference who have made great contributions in the research of the Armenian Church rituals, and in disseminating the information.
In his remarks His Holiness also noted that clergymen of the Armenian Church are educated through the achievements of current scientists; by continuing their studies and scientific work in different universities under their auspices and guidance.
Once again conveying his Pontifical blessings and appreciation to the participants, Catholicos Karekin II wished them successful work while at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
At the end of the meeting, His Holiness answered questions from the conference members; related to the challenges facing the Church and her current activities, the Church’s liturgical language, and work directed towards the restoration of monastic life.
