Catholicos of All Armenians meets with EU ambassadors to Eastern European and Central Asian countries

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received the participants of the regional seminar of the European Union Ambassadors to Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on May 21.

At the meeting, the Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, introduced the EU ambassadors to His Holiness and provided general information about the gathering, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin said in a news release.

His Holiness Karekin II, welcoming the visit of the participants of the regional seminar of ambassadors to the spiritual center of all Armenians, spoke about the mission of the Armenian Church in the life of the Armenian people.

According to the source, His Holiness noted in his speech that the seminar held in Armenia should serve as an opportunity to better understand  Armenia,its centuries-old heritage,  national traditions and the difficult situation currently facing Armenia.

His Holiness expressed concern regarding the security challenges facing the Armenian people, the occupation of Artsakh, the protection of the rights of the displaced Artsakh Armenians, and the return of Armenian prisoners still held in Azerbaijan.

He also addressed the destruction and appropriation of Artsakh's Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage, emphasizing the need to restore peace and stability in the region. His Holiness underscored the need for more effective steps by EU countries and institutions to respond to Azerbaijan's anti-Armenian policy.

Ambassador Maragos, thanking the Armenian Patriarch for the reception, noted the importance of dialogue and cooperation with the Armenian Church in promoting the establishment of a lasting and just peace.