Catholicos of All Armenians Receives Members of the French Organization L’Œuvre d’Orient
12.09.2026
On September 12, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received members of the French organization L’Œuvre d’Orient at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The delegation was led by its Director General, Bishop Hugues de Woillemont.
During the meeting, the organization’s Director General expressed his joy at the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and to be received by the Catholicos of All Armenians, particularly emphasizing the importance of this opportunity for pilgrims to encounter the sacred treasures of the Armenian Church and to become acquainted with its spiritual heritage and culture.
Presenting the nearly 170-year history of L’Œuvre d’Orient, His Grace provided information about the organization’s programs supporting Christian communities in the East, as well as its historic ties with the Armenian Church.
Welcoming the guests, the Supreme Patriarch spoke about the Armenian Church’s apostolic origins and special mission in the life of the Armenian people, emphasizing its unique role in strengthening their faith and in shaping and preserving their national identity.
Speaking about the centuries-old friendship between the Armenian and French peoples, the Catholicos of All Armenians expressed his gratitude to the people and authorities of France for standing by Armenia during difficult periods of its history. His Holiness also highly commended the humanitarian mission of L’Œuvre d’Orient and its support for the Armenian people.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians offered his blessing to the pilgrims, wishing them a pleasant stay in Armenia and expressing confidence that they would return home inspired by the spiritual treasures of the Armenian people and carrying warm impressions of their visit.
