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02
11, 2009
President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin
Today, President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, where he was present at the Pan-Armenian Diocesan Representative Meeting.
The President of Armenia greeted the participants of the meeting and wished success to all endeavors of the Armenian Apostolic Church which are aimed at the fulfillment of the spiritual needs of our country and our nation.
Speaking about state-church relations, President Sargsyan said that they acquire special significance in this particular historical phase and everything must be done to keep those relations harmonious. “Let’s us admit that state-church relations are not easy to regulate. Church ought not to interfere with the state affairs, and state ought not to interfere with the church affairs. This easy formula is not that easy to implement in real life because for us, Armenians, it is almost impossible to draw the line on where our spiritual culture ends and lay and, especially, political culture begins. I believe, today we are close to the golden middle and in the core of it is the wise and principled stance of the Supreme Patriarch. Time will inevitably introduce its changes In this area too, however we are on the right way. The state structures are ready to continue and deepen this cooperation, which has already brought positive results,” Serzh Sargsyan said.
The President of Armenia emphasized the importance of the Armenian Church’s contribution to the spiritual and esthetic education of the children, stressing in particular the activities of the structures working under the auspices of the Church and Armenian homes. “The very first inspiring results are noticeable even today, however we will reap a greater harvesrt tomorrow. It is an ethical and educational image of tomorrow’s Armenia. A morally strong Armenia means invincible Armenia. An educated Armenia means invincible Armenia. That is why this is a strategic issue, and I think that in this case the Church should double its efforts, taking under its wing more and more Armenian adolescents and children. This is one of those case when no matter how much you do, it is still not enough,” the President of Armenia noted.
President Sargsyan said that the fact that our once uncared for churches and altars are being renovated and reconsecrated, new ones are being built and consecrated is inspiring. According to the President, it allows to lead the spiritual life of the parishes and society in a new direction, which is an important part of our internal life and self-organization.
Serzh Sargsyan said that for any political figure in Armenia, and especially for the President of Armenia, activities of the Armenian Church in Diaspora are of the utmost importance. “It is the most steady link which units all Armenians. Common roots, common goals, common challenges and especially the Church’s promise and call regarding the common future, become a new inspiration for our brothers and sisters in Spyurq and can encourage even those who have lost hope. A collective standing of the entire Armenian nation is not only a spiritual but also a great political asset. It is unacceptable to waste that asset in unimportant arguments,” Serzh Sargsyan stressed.
President Sargsyan spoke with satisfaction about the international pacifistic activities of the Armenian Church and its enthusiastic participation in the international Ecumenical movement.
The President of Armenia said that even though a great amount of works has already been accomplished, there is still much to do. “Individually and collectively our state and the Armenian Apostolic Church under the leadership of the Mother See Holy Etchmiadzin and Supreme Patriarch have many, many things to do because a strive for perfection has no boundaries.”
President Sargsyan spoke also about the 10-year reign of the Supreme Patriarch, noting that Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II has been a worthy Patriarch of the Saint Armenian Apostolic Church, has continued and developed sacred traditions of our Church, being at the same time a modern, 21st century figure. “As a rule, history gives the most precise estimate for the activities of Catholicos. Today, addressing the Supreme Patriarch I am talking from my heart and express my deep gratitude for the great work that he has accomplished during just one decade. Your Holiness, I wish you many decades of productive work. I am confident that as a bearer of Grigori Illuminator’s legacy you will be leading your spiritual flock from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. I believe that you will witness new achievements of Armenia and the Armenian nation, which will be accomplished also due to your significant input,” the President said.
The President of Armenia bestowed on His Holiness, Catholicos of All Armenians the highest state award – Saint Mesrop Mashtotz Order.
Taking the opportunity, participants to the meeting asked the President questions related to the current situation, particularly to the Armenia-Turkey dialogue, ratification of the initialed protocols, and the NK peace process.
Clarifying the process of the Armenian-Turkish normalization, Serzh Sargsyan reiterated that it does not mean in any way that the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide will be relinquished. President Sargsyan noted that Armenia, as a responsible participant in the system of international relations, has always honored the assumed obligations and is ready to move forward, faithful to the letter and spirit of the protocols – to establish relations with Turkey without preconditions and in a sensible timeframe. He said that the international community also supports the establishment of relations without preconditions and in a sensible timeframe. Serzh Sargsyan also underscored that regarding possible developments of the process of normalization with Turkey, Armenia has its tactical and strategic considerations and based on the developments at hand will make according steps.
Reflecting on the expressed concern that the Turkish side tries to link the normalization of the Armenia-Turkey relation to the resolution of NK conflict, the President of Armenia repeated once again that those are two separate processes and are not linked in any way. According to Serzh Sargsyan, Armenia will be solving these issues independently of each other and is adamant in her position that there must be solutions which will bring durable peace and development to the region.
The President of Armenia greeted the participants of the meeting and wished success to all endeavors of the Armenian Apostolic Church which are aimed at the fulfillment of the spiritual needs of our country and our nation.
Speaking about state-church relations, President Sargsyan said that they acquire special significance in this particular historical phase and everything must be done to keep those relations harmonious. “Let’s us admit that state-church relations are not easy to regulate. Church ought not to interfere with the state affairs, and state ought not to interfere with the church affairs. This easy formula is not that easy to implement in real life because for us, Armenians, it is almost impossible to draw the line on where our spiritual culture ends and lay and, especially, political culture begins. I believe, today we are close to the golden middle and in the core of it is the wise and principled stance of the Supreme Patriarch. Time will inevitably introduce its changes In this area too, however we are on the right way. The state structures are ready to continue and deepen this cooperation, which has already brought positive results,” Serzh Sargsyan said.
The President of Armenia emphasized the importance of the Armenian Church’s contribution to the spiritual and esthetic education of the children, stressing in particular the activities of the structures working under the auspices of the Church and Armenian homes. “The very first inspiring results are noticeable even today, however we will reap a greater harvesrt tomorrow. It is an ethical and educational image of tomorrow’s Armenia. A morally strong Armenia means invincible Armenia. An educated Armenia means invincible Armenia. That is why this is a strategic issue, and I think that in this case the Church should double its efforts, taking under its wing more and more Armenian adolescents and children. This is one of those case when no matter how much you do, it is still not enough,” the President of Armenia noted.
President Sargsyan said that the fact that our once uncared for churches and altars are being renovated and reconsecrated, new ones are being built and consecrated is inspiring. According to the President, it allows to lead the spiritual life of the parishes and society in a new direction, which is an important part of our internal life and self-organization.
Serzh Sargsyan said that for any political figure in Armenia, and especially for the President of Armenia, activities of the Armenian Church in Diaspora are of the utmost importance. “It is the most steady link which units all Armenians. Common roots, common goals, common challenges and especially the Church’s promise and call regarding the common future, become a new inspiration for our brothers and sisters in Spyurq and can encourage even those who have lost hope. A collective standing of the entire Armenian nation is not only a spiritual but also a great political asset. It is unacceptable to waste that asset in unimportant arguments,” Serzh Sargsyan stressed.
President Sargsyan spoke with satisfaction about the international pacifistic activities of the Armenian Church and its enthusiastic participation in the international Ecumenical movement.
The President of Armenia said that even though a great amount of works has already been accomplished, there is still much to do. “Individually and collectively our state and the Armenian Apostolic Church under the leadership of the Mother See Holy Etchmiadzin and Supreme Patriarch have many, many things to do because a strive for perfection has no boundaries.”
President Sargsyan spoke also about the 10-year reign of the Supreme Patriarch, noting that Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II has been a worthy Patriarch of the Saint Armenian Apostolic Church, has continued and developed sacred traditions of our Church, being at the same time a modern, 21st century figure. “As a rule, history gives the most precise estimate for the activities of Catholicos. Today, addressing the Supreme Patriarch I am talking from my heart and express my deep gratitude for the great work that he has accomplished during just one decade. Your Holiness, I wish you many decades of productive work. I am confident that as a bearer of Grigori Illuminator’s legacy you will be leading your spiritual flock from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. I believe that you will witness new achievements of Armenia and the Armenian nation, which will be accomplished also due to your significant input,” the President said.
The President of Armenia bestowed on His Holiness, Catholicos of All Armenians the highest state award – Saint Mesrop Mashtotz Order.
Taking the opportunity, participants to the meeting asked the President questions related to the current situation, particularly to the Armenia-Turkey dialogue, ratification of the initialed protocols, and the NK peace process.
Clarifying the process of the Armenian-Turkish normalization, Serzh Sargsyan reiterated that it does not mean in any way that the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide will be relinquished. President Sargsyan noted that Armenia, as a responsible participant in the system of international relations, has always honored the assumed obligations and is ready to move forward, faithful to the letter and spirit of the protocols – to establish relations with Turkey without preconditions and in a sensible timeframe. He said that the international community also supports the establishment of relations without preconditions and in a sensible timeframe. Serzh Sargsyan also underscored that regarding possible developments of the process of normalization with Turkey, Armenia has its tactical and strategic considerations and based on the developments at hand will make according steps.
Reflecting on the expressed concern that the Turkish side tries to link the normalization of the Armenia-Turkey relation to the resolution of NK conflict, the President of Armenia repeated once again that those are two separate processes and are not linked in any way. According to Serzh Sargsyan, Armenia will be solving these issues independently of each other and is adamant in her position that there must be solutions which will bring durable peace and development to the region.