Catholicos of All Armenians Received Delegation of Doctors from French Urological Association
18.09.2016
On September 17, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received a group of French doctors, led by Dr. Jean Pierre Berberian. The 30-member group of leading doctors of the French Urological Association is visiting Armenia for an exchange of experiences and the expansion of cooperation.
Dr. Berberian presented to His Holiness the purpose of the doctors’ visit and asked for his blessings. Welcoming the visit of the friendly French citizens to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness wished them a pleasant and unforgettable stay in Armenia.
The Catholicos of All Armenians presented the mission of Holy Etchmiadzin in the life of the Armenian people, emphasizing that with the adoption of Christianity the historical fate of the Armenian people was defined. His Holiness stressed the important role of the Armenian Church in the preservation of the national identity and existence. He also reflected on the contemporary challenges facing the Church and the current role of pastoral care.
In his remarks, His Holiness spoke on the inter-governmental relations forged during the early years of Armenian Independence and stressed the cooperation and close ties with France, marked by warmth and friendliness. Catholicos Karekin II prayed that the relations between the two countries and people always remain as kind and sincere.
Taking the opportunity of the visit, His Holiness expressed gratitude to the French people and authorities for recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide, as well as for their efforts in the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Karabakh.
The Catholicos of All Armenians also answered the doctor’s questions, which related to the destruction inflicted on the Armenian Church during the Armenian Genocide and the years of Soviet atheism; the current ecumenical relation of the Armenian Church and the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian churches and religions; and the Christian education of the upcoming generation.
At the conclusion, His Holiness wished the doctors success in their service, and asking for God’s support, to continue contributing to the healthy life of humanity.
