Catholicos of All Armenians Received Participants of International Media Forum “At the Base of Mount Ararat”

On March 19, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the participants of the 5th international media forum “At the Base of Mount Ararat”.

Welcoming the journalists who had arrived from different countries, His Holiness noted with confidence that the forum would give them all an opportunity to reflect on the 20th century’s greatest crime against humanity, the Armenian Genocide. The Catholicos of All Armenians stressed that due to the work of the media during the years of the Genocide, the Genocide undertaken by Turkey elicited an immense response in the international community, and also prompted great support for the survivors of the Armenian Genocide. The Pontiff of All Armenian expressed his appreciation to all the mass media that raise their voice through constant coverage, for the sake of a fair, peaceful, and prosperous world free of crimes, terrorism and genocide.

Speaking on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by different countries and nations, His Holiness expressed hope that the entire world would eventually condemn what happened, as indifference towards, or rejection of the Armenian Genocide gives birth to new types of such crimes.

In his remarks, His Holiness referred to the Canonization service of the victims of the Armenian Genocide on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which will be held on April 23, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; and the Blessing of the Holy Chrism (Muron) service which will be held on September 27. His Holiness reported that roughly 80 representatives and 38 delegations from different Churches, Inter-church and ecumenical organizations, different religions and inter-religious organizations will participate in the services being held from April 22 to 24. The Catholicos of All Armenians also stressed that this will serve as an opportunity for religious leaders to again condemn the repetition of such crimes against humanity.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness responded to questions posed by the guests, relating to the losses incurred by the Armenian Church during the years of the Genocide, the details of the Canonization services, the current situation of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople in Turkey, and the issue of the return of Church properties.

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