Armenian President grateful to Pope Francis for his blessings addressed to ancient Armenian land
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YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Historical changes have occurred in Armenia during the 25 years of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Vatican, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said at the Presidential Palace addressing to Pope Francis. “We are grateful for Your blessings addressed to the ancient Armenian land and its much-suffering people. We are very happy to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Vatican next year and we confirm that historical changes have occurred for us during this period”, “Armenpress” reports the President mentioning.
President Sargsyan added that really historical developments have taken place during this period, such as Pope John Paul's visit to Armenia, erection of Saint Gregory'sstatue at St.Peter's Basilica, as well as the Devine Liturgy delivered by Pope Francis on the 100tyh anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. “We attach great importance to bestowing Gregory of Narek with Doctor of theUniversalChurch”, the President mentioned.
On June 24 Pope Francis arrived in Armenia on a three-day visit. The Pope was welcomed by President Serzh Sargsyan and His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II in the “Zvartnots” Airport.
A welcoming ceremony took place in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Pope has already arrived in the Presidential Palace, where a private meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan is taking place, which will be followed by announcement for Armenian officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the society.
Pope Francis will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial on June 25. Later on the same day, a mass will be held in Gyumri’s Vardanants Square. A number of other events are scheduled to take place in Gyumri, after which the Pope will return to Yerevan, where the most important and most open event for the society during his visit will take place in the Republic Square.
A peace prayer will be delivered, which will be preceded and followed by a joint festive concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Choir – dedicated to Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia.
In the morning of June 26, a mass will be held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, which will be delivered by His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II with Pope Francis.
Several events will be held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, after which Pope Francis and Catholicos Garegin II will visit one of the most important shrines of the Armenian people and the Armenian Apostolic Church – Khor Virap- where they will pray together and release doves towards Ararat. Afterwards the Pope will head to the airport to return to Rome.