His Holiness Karekin II Receives Emir Kusturica
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
6/3/2010
On March 6, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Emir Kusturica, world-renowned Serbian filmmaker, actor and musician in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.He was accompanied by his wife, Maja, and musicians from his rock band, No Smoking Orchestra.
Welcoming the eminent artist to the headquarters of the Armenian Church, the Pontiff of All Armenians spoke of the Armenian Church and Its role in the life of the Armenian nation, and in the preservation of spiritual values and national identity. His Holiness also reflected on the national character and unique contribution of the Church to the creation and development of Armenian culture.
His Holiness Karekin II and Kusturica met in January in Moscow, when they were both granted the 2009 Patriarch Alexy II Award by the International Fund of the Unity of Orthodox Peoples.
In his remarks, Kusturica noted his pleasure in visiting Armenia and getting acquainted with a nation that has a similar past, filled with tragedy and hope. Kusturica also referred to the importance of spiritual values in society and presented his future plans to His Holiness.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Kusturica and his rock band visited the Museum of the Mother Cathedral and the pontifical residence.
