Armenian Pontiff Concludes Pontifical Visit to Saint Petersburg
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
29/6/2011
On the morning of June 29, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, on the final day of his Pontifical visit, traveled to the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection on Vasilyevsky Island.
Following a prayer service held in the Cathedral, His Holiness placed flower wreaths at the tombs of renowned Armenians who had made significant contributions to the welfare of the Armenian nation and Armenian community in Saint Petersburg.
After the visit, the Armenian Pontiff and his delegation traveled to the Vsevolojsk region, where His Holiness visited the Armenian Church of St. Mary, built through the benefaction of Mr. Samvel Movsisian. At the entrance of the Church the Armenian Pontiff, Diocesan Primates and the Pontifical retinue were met by Rev. Fr. Arshak Nazarian, Spiritual pastor of the Church; Mr. Movsisian; Mr. Alexander Sobolenco, Head of the Vsevolozhsk region; and Mr. Eduard Chirko, Head of the Koltushy region.
Under the singing of “Hrashapar”, His Holiness entered the Church, where he gave his Pontifical message and blessings to the Armenian faithful and local representatives.
The Armenian Pontiff expressed his appreciation to the benefactor of the Church, whose patronage had provided for all the necessities to carry out the spiritual mission of the parish. In his message, the Armenian Pontiff encouraged the Armenian descendants to remain loyal to the faith of their forefathers, and their traditions; to preserve their language and culture; and to continue contributing to the development of the country as worthy citizens of Russia. The spiritual message was followed by the singing of the hym “Ter Voghormia” by Komitas, and by the Pontifical prayer. His Holiness was also informed about the construction projects at the Armenian public school, being built through the benefaction of Mr. Samvel Movsisian. In the region of Koltushy His Holiness placed a wreath at the monument dedicated to the victims of the Great Patriotic War and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Upon the conclusion of the Pontifical visit to Saint Petersburg, His Holiness Karekin II and his delegation left for the Republic of Latvia.
