Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II Receives Delegation from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
24.09.2025
On September 24, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, welcomed the faculty and students of the Department of Eastern Christian Theology from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, along with theology students from Armenia. The delegation was led by Dr. Thomas Kremer, Chair of the Department of Theology of the Christian East at KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, and Archpriest Oleksandr Petrynko, Rector of the Collegium Orientale.
During the meeting, Father Thomas presented the university’s educational programs and activities, noting that the visit aimed to learn about the history, spiritual, and cultural heritage of the Armenian people, as well as to explore potential academic collaborations.
Blessing the guests, His Holiness Karekin II emphasized that the delegation’s visit and pilgrimage to Armenia’s sacred sites offer a deeper appreciation of the country’s historical and spiritual heritage while enriching their spiritual experience. His Holiness highlighted the pivotal role of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenian life, emphasizing that the Christian faith has long served as the foundation of the nation’s spiritual and cultural values, shaping Armenian identity.
Expressing satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between the Armenian Church, sister Churches, and interchurch organizations, His Holiness noted that numerous educational, social, and cultural initiatives are currently being carried out through these strong partnerships.
The meeting concluded with His Holiness answering questions from the delegation regarding the mission of the Armenian Church and its interchurch and interreligious relations.
