In Holy Etchmiadzin delegates of many Christian churches discuss challenges of Syrian crisis
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ETCHMIADZIN, JUNE 11, ARMENPRESS. International conference on "Crisis in Syria, Challenges for Faith Communities" in Etchmiadzin, the spiritual capital of all Armenians, gathered the representatives of the Middle East, Syrian, Russian, European countries and the U.S. Christian Churches, as well as political and public figures. The event was also attended by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan. Rev. Olav Fyske Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of
Churches, also participates in the event. As reports “Armenpress”, the International Consultation on Crisis in Syria is held on June 11-12, by the World Council of Churches and is hosted by the Armenian Apostolic Church.
His Holiness Karekin II delivered the opening speech, cordially welcoming the audience participating in the discussion on the Syrian crisis. "We have gathered to consider the challenges facing the churches in connection with the Syrian crisis. We are pleased that this meeting is convened in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, being the spiritual center of all Armenians, spreads love and care for its children, who live as law-abiding and creative citizens in many countries of the world, as well as for centuries in the Middle East region” – noted His Holiness.
"We feel a deep pain, witnessing the ongoing crisis in the Middle East region. The calamity of war has taken away a large number of innocent lives, regardless of age, gender and religious beliefs. This reality is even more tragic when it happens in the 21st century, at the dawn of the third Christian millennium, for which the mankind was waiting, expecting that it will become an era of freedom and dignity, self-determination of nations and heyday of protection of human rights and tolerance” - emphasized the Catholicos.