Russian Orthodox Church to Be Built in Yerevan
6/8/02

Etchmiadzin (Itar-Tass) - A Russian Orthodox church wil be built in central Yerevan and the Moscow Patriarchate will heighten the level of its mission in Armenia, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos Karekin II said here last Thursday, receiving Sergei Mironov, the speaker of the Federation Council upper house of Russian parliament. The Catholicos said a prayer "in the name of the strengthening and flourishing of the Russian state." "We are glad seeing long-standing traditions of friendship and brotherhood between our countries strenghtening with every day and bearing new good fruit," said the Catholicos.

He recalled that Holy Etchmiadzin, from time immemorial, had expressed support for close friendship between the Armenian and Russian peoples.

The Catholicos believes it is not surprising that Russia now has the world's largest Armenian diaspora. This is the reflection of the attitude held by Armenians toward Russia, His Holiness said.

Karekin II expressed satisfaction with the fact that warm relations continue not only between the states but also between the churches. "We believe the blessing of our churches is important to progress and the flourishing of our countries," said the Catholicos. "Being aware of this, Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia and I are striving to assist our states in implementing their mission in the name of well-being and prosperity of our peoples," Karekin II said.

The Armenian Reporter International, 27.