Catholicos of All Armenians Receives Fra' Robert Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
23.10.2016
On October 23, His Holiness Karekin II received H.M.E.H. Fra' Robert Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He was accompanied by his delegation, and Mr. Michael Minasyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vatican to the Republic of Armenia; and Jean-Michel Oughourlian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Republic of Armenia.
The Catholicos of All Armenians welcomed the Grand Master and his delegation, and stated that during his Pontificate he had numerous opportunities to receive the Ambassadors and representatives of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta during various events and religious ceremonies. His Holiness noted with satisfaction that the Sovereign Military Order of Malta provided great services to humanity throughout history, and today also continues to bring its usefulness in different fields.
Speaking on the relations between the Order of Malta and the Mother See, His Holiness also referred to the interchurch relations, stating that the Armenian Church has always had close ties with the Sister Churches, which continue to develop and strengthen.
Reflecting on the history and role of the Armenian Apostolic Church, His Holiness particularly emphasized the strong faith and unbending spirit anchored on the Christian faith, through which the Armenian nation has faced the trials and challenges during its history and built its victories.
Fra’ Matthew expressed his joy on the occasion of his visit to the Mother See, and presented to His Holiness the humanitarian programs being implemented by the Order of Malta. Fra’ Mathew also expressed readiness to continue the cooperation with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Holiness and Fra’ Matthew both stressed the importance of humanitarian programs implemented in the social sector. They made particular mention of the need for creation of appropriate conditions for the Syrian families who found shelter in Armenia, and as well as the need to provide care for the victims and wounded of the 4-day war in Karabakh.
At the conclusion, His Holiness expressed his wish that the Sovereign Military Order of Malta continue their work with the same zeal and enthusiasm, to provide beneficial services everywhere to persons who are suffering, and in pain and need.
Attending the meeting was His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Director of the External Relations and Protocol Department of the Mother See.
