His Holiness Karekin II Receives “Women’s Auxiliary Union of Holy Etchmiadzin”
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On October 3, 2009 His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received the members of the “Women’s Auxiliary Union of Holy Etchmiadzin” of Beirut, Lebanon in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The women traveled on a pilgrimage from Lebanon to Armenia at the invitation of His Holiness on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their organization. Welcoming the members of the Committee, His Holiness extended his paternal blessings and appreciation to Mrs. Mimi Harutyunian, President of the Committee and to all its members. His Holiness noted that they have made great contributions to the welfare and vibrancy of the Mother See and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, supporting the activities of Holy Etchmiadzin. Founded in Beirut, Lebanon in 1959, the society has been a stalwart supporter of the Mother See and its mission in the Diaspora.
“It is a great pleasure and delight for us to have received your support and assistance since our first years of enthronement as the Catholicos of All Armenians. We are happy to have the opportunity to express our gratitude to the devoted children and soldiers of the Mother See and to glorify your contributions, spirit and devout service to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,” His Holiness stated in part.
The Pontiff of All Armenians congratulated the members on the occasion of their organizations 50th anniversary, wishing that their example inspire all Armenian women to bring their service to assist in the mission of the Armenian Church. On behalf of the committee Mrs. Harutyuninan expressed their appreciation and gratitude to His Holiness for the invitation. She congratulated His Holiness on his upcoming 10th Anniversary of enthronement.
During the meeting His Holiness introduced the present day activities of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in different spheres of national life.
During their week’s stay in the Homeland, the auxiliary union members and their guests will visit the Vaskenian Theological Academy at Lake Sevan, the Monasteries of Kecharis, Khor Virap and Noravanq, as well as the Church of St. Mesrop Mashtots in Oshagan. They will also visit the Youth Centers of the Mother See. In addition to a welcoming banquet, a special concert will be presented in the Chamber Music Hall of the Yerevan Opera House, with a program dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Women’s Auxiliary Union of Holy Etchmiadzin.
