Armenian Catholicos receives the Vatican official

16/7/2012

ETCHMIADZIN. – The Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on Monday received Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in the Roman Curia of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Catholicos welcomed the Cardinal’s visit to Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and recorded that ties between the Armenian Apostolic and the Roman Catholic churches stand out by their special warmth.

Karekin II stressed the effective cooperation between both churches and recalled his meetings with the late Pope John Paul II and the serving Pope Benedict XVI. And reflecting on his previous meetings with Cardinal Sandri, the Catholicos appreciated the Cardinal’s special demeanor toward the Armenian Church and people.

Speaking about Armenian Apostolic Church’s relations and cooperation with sister churches, Karekin II specifically stressed that the Church of Christ needs to be in the union of love by preserving the systems of value.

Also, Karekin II extended his brotherly greetings to Pope Benedict XVI.

In his turn, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri reflected on the brotherly ties between the Armenian Apostolic and the Roman Catholic churches, and expressed a hope that these ties will further grow. In addition, the Cardinal conveyed to Karekin II the warm greetings of Pope Benedict XVI.

And following the meeting, Catholicos Karekin II and Cardinal Sandri visited the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral and prayed before the Holy Altar where Jesus Christ descended upon Earth.

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