Catholicos of All Armenians Received Clergyman Wounded by Azerbaijan Snipers

On September 4, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Dn. Hovhannes Galstyan, spiritual servant in the Armenian Church Chaplaincy of the Republic of Armenia Armed Forces; who received a gunshot wound to the hand as a result of the cross-border fire initiated by Azerbaijan along the north-eastern line of contact in the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh. He was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, Head Chaplain of the Armed Forced of the Republic of Armenia.

During the meeting, His Holiness conveyed his blessings to Dn. Hovhannes Galstyan, wishing him a speedy recovery.

The Pontiff offered praise to the Lord that Dn. Hovhannes was protected by the grace of God during the life-threatening situation, and stressed that the faithful and clergy of the Armenian Church were proud of Dn. Hovhannes’display of bravery and courage.

Reflecting with appreciation on the religious mission of the Armenian clergy serving in the Armenian army, His Holiness stressed that it’s encouraging to see how the clergy implement their dedicated and zealous service by serving the Armenian soldier, even standing by his side in military positions.

His Holiness also greeted with satisfaction the decision of Dn. Hovhannes to continue his service in the Army Chaplaincy program.

The Armenian Church Chaplaincy of the Republic of Armenia Armed Forces includes 52 clergymen serving in various military units of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh.

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