Catholicos of All Armenians Received the Metropolitan of Belotserkov and Boguslav
20.05.2016
On May 20, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Metropolitan Augustine of Bila Tserkva and Boguslav, Ukraine, Chairman of the UOC Synodal Department for the Cooperation with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Chairman of the theological canonical commission; and his delegation. They were accompanied by His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, Spiritual Primate of the RA Armed Forces.
During the meeting, Bishop Vrtanes informed His Holiness of the Sister Church delegation's aim of their visit to Armenia, the jointly organized events, as well as discussions about the clergy service in the Army.
His Holiness welcomed Metropolitan Augustine and his delegation, stressing that this cooperation is clearly evidenced by the existing close and collaborative relations between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Moscow Patriarchate. His Holiness expressed satisfaction that as a result of the fruitful cooperation between the various structures of the two churches, there is an exchange of valuable experience in various fields of activity, which contributes to the implementation of a more effective Christian mission.
His Holiness also reflected on the structure, formation, and activities of the Spiritual Leadership of the Armed Forces and stressed that events in Aprils also showed the importance of pastoral service of the clergy in the army. His Holiness noted with appreciation that during those difficult days they not only supported and encouraged the soldiers but visited and comforted the families of those who died, fighting for the homeland defense.
During the meeting, Metropolitan Augustine expressed gratitude to His Holiness for the warm reception, and explained the partnership that exists between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Armenian Diocese of Ukraine, as well as the Army and Church relations in Ukraine. In turn, he highlighted the organization of mutual visits, expressing confidence that the visits will be successful in terms of the exchange of experiences.
At the conclusion, His Holiness conveyed his blessings, wishing them a success in their mission.
Attending the meeting was His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Director of the External Relations and Protocol Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
