Opening Ceremony of the Tatev Monastery Aerial Tramway
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On October 16, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, participated in the opening ceremony of the Tatev Monastery Aerial Tramway. His Holiness was accompanied by Diocesan Primates and Members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The aerial tramway was constructed by the “Tatev Rebirth” project. The Armenian Pontiff offered a Prayer of Thanks with the presence of the President of Armenia, Mr. Serzh Sargsian and Armenian State Officials. The aerial tramway was implemented under the auspices of the National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia and through the initiative of Mr. Ruben Vardanian, Benefactor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Member of the Supreme Spiritual Council; and also through the assistance of additional faithful benefactors.
Following the opening ceremony, the Pontiff of All Armenians presided over the Prayer of Thanks service in the Monastery of Tatev. Following the service he extended his Pontifical message to the people in attendance. President Sargisian also gave his remarks in honor of the occasion.
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II
SUPREME PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
ON THE OPENING OF THE TATEV MONASTERY AERIAL TRAMWAY
(Monastery of Tatev, October 16, 2010)
“And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.” II Corinthians 9:8
Mr. President,
Honored State Officials and Guests,
Dearly beloved faithful,
It is with a joyful soul that we greet you on this memorable day, when we have gathered together to celebrate the opening of the Aerial Tramway leading to the ancient Monastery of Tatev, which is a good work brought to life through the faithful soul. In accord with the words of the Apostle, it is God Who brings grace and inspiration to the souls of men – to do good works and to endure to the future in benevolence. We offer thanks to the Lord, that our homeland and national and ecclesiastical life is becoming vibrant today through similar good works and the efforts and dedication of our people; granting encouragement to our souls and strengthening our hopes for a prosperous future. Ruben Vardanian’s initiative to construct this aerial tramway is greatly commendable, which was realized under the auspices of the government of the Republic of Armenia and through the assistance of additional faithful benefactors. The land of Syunik, which since the distant past has been rich with the wondrous results of the creative mind of man and his labors, and where our two medieval universities functioned; today is complemented by this unique modern structure – the Tatev Aerial Tramway. We are all pleased, that the tramway, as the fast-flying wing of the ancient site of pilgrimage, will help us reach Tatev faster and easier, to commune with the cherished mystery of this centuries-old holy shrine which was a place of pilgrimage from apostolic times.
Indeed, through its beauty and stunning construction, the Monastery of Tatev is among the exceptional creations of Armenian architecture, which for centuries has been a vibrant center of Armenian spiritual life, science and culture. Renown doctors of the Church have lived, taught and created their immortal works in Tatev: Saint Gregory of Tatev, the blessed great chief-priest and graceful and inexhaustible preacher; Stepanos Orbelian, the Metropolitan of Syunik and the diligent primate and brilliant historian. Through tireless efforts and devotion, faith in God has been nurtured here, so that the spirit of truth, justice and love toward one another flowing from the hearts of men become goodness in life. Science and industriousness have been nurtured here, to serve the welfare and progress of men. Through its mission, the Monastery of Tatev is the monument to faith situated on high and a path to God. Saints have lived and died here. Prayer and blessings are bountiful here. In this cherished holy shrine, our soul is with our forebears, and is reinforced by the example of their faith and the work of their faith. Our soul is with God, with a renewed oath, and encouraged by hope and the optimism to turn our aspirations into reality. Indeed, it is new blessing, grace and joy for our people, that the benefactors who achieved the aerial tramway construction project, also plan to implement the “Tatev Rebirth” project, so that the monastery is comprehensively renovated and complemented with new buildings, to continue its spiritual, academic and cultural mission with renewed productivity and to insure that it remains a treasure and repository of Christian culture.
We extend our pontifical appreciation and blessings to the authorities of the Republic of Armenia, led by President Serzh Sargsian, who is present today with us for this celebration; and to all of the benefactors of the new aerial tramway. We convey our blessings and appreciation to the Primate of the Diocese of Syunik, His Grace Bishop Abraham Mkrtchian and Vicar of the Primate, Rev. Fr. Zaven Yazichian; to the clergy of the diocese; and to all of our pious faithful. Today spiritual life in Syunik is likewise being strengthened; our courageous and industrious sons and daughters of Syunik are investing their efforts in the building of the homeland and live with all of our national aspirations – the realization of which we feel greater closer to in our independent state and the good works and accomplishments in our spiritual and national life dispersed throughout the world.
Beloved, we once again state the exhortation of the holy Apostle today: “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.” Let us be alert and awake so that our souls always hear the life-giving words of the Gospel and the saving Will of our benevolent Lord. May our spiritual home – our Holy Church – remain vibrant; may our homeland be reinforced by the faith emanating from our sincere and immaculate hearts and through works of good and goodness; and may the life of our people be secure and prosperous. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Let us not grow weary in doing good works, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart”. Galatians 6:9
Let us pray for God to protect our country and all our people beneath peaceful skies under His all-provident Holy Right Hand, and may He bless our efforts with bountiful results, and strengthen us forever with limitless faith, so that good, just and brave works never diminish from our lives and the lives of our children, for the glory of His Holy Name, for the vibrancy of our Holy Church, and for the welfare of our homeland. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (St. Matthew 5:16), today and always.
Amen.
