Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On Tuesday morning, February 21, the Armenian Church celebrated the Feast of Sts. Ghevondiants. Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. Participating in this special service were more than 200 clergymen of the Armenian Church, consisting of the diocesan primates from within Armenia and Artsakh; members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin; and married priests from 12 dioceses from the Republic of Armenia (Araratian Pontifical, Armavir, Shirak, Aragatsotn, Kotayk, Gougarats, Gegharkunik, Syunik), the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh (Artsakh), the United States of America (Eastern and Western), and the Syrian Arab Republic (Damascus). The celebrant for the day was Rev. Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian from the Araratian Pontifical Diocese.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the traditional annual clergy conference convened in the Pontifical Residence of the Catholicosate under the presidency of His Holiness. The clergy conference was unprecedented both in the number of priests present as well as the number of dioceses represented. The meeting opened with the Lord's Prayer. His Grace Bishop Mikael Ajapahian, Primate of the Diocese of Shirak, presented the agenda for the day. Reports were presented and topics debated on the spiritual, pastoral, administrative and ecclesiastical life of the parishes and dioceses.

The meeting concluded with the remarks of the Pontiff of All Armenians. His Holiness Karekin II congratulated all of the priests on the Feast of St. Ghevondiants and extended his fatherly blessings, exhorting them to remain faithful to the patriotic and Christ-devoted spirit of "Ghevond Yerets", always being vigilant in their efforts, filled with love for their flock, and keeping the unity of the Church and her people centered in their vision. His Holiness also emphasized the necessity to better organize the pastoral mission of the Church and reinforce her parochial structures.

At the conclusion of the conference, His Holiness granted 12 priests the right to wear pectoral crosses in recognition for their devoted service to the Armenian Church.

The day ended with the priests returning to the Mother Cathedral to offer Evening Services, invigorated and inspired to return to their respective dioceses and continue their spiritual mission of service.