SW News: The Supreme Head of the Armenian Apostolic Church held a meeting with the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church on Tuesday, October 12. Armenian Catholicos His Holiness Karekin II is on an official visit in Russia. He and his delegation were welcomed by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill I in the Russian capital.

During their meeting, His Holiness Kirill I talked about the strong fraternal ties between their churches. The Armenian Catholicos agreed with Patriarch Kirill and said, “The centuries-old friendship of our peoples and Churches has been expressed in moments of both joy and sorrow. We have rejoiced at our joint achievements and worked together to preserve our friendship and brotherhood. And our meetings with Your Holiness are the best evidence of that. We have always felt the support of the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.”

As the meeting continued, they discussed the Artsakh war that took place last year in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict was between ethnic Armenians of the territory and Azerbaijan. While Azerbaijan was helped by Turkey, Russia and Armenia extended help to the Armenian fighters. The war lasted for 44 days after which large swathes of territories had to be surrendered to Azerbaijan. Thousands lost their lives and historic churches and monasteries were destroyed.

His Holiness Karekin II said that he was grateful for the unending support that they received from the Russian Orthodox Church amidst the growing post-war issues of the Artsakh conflict. “Today, as Your Holiness knows, our country and people are living difficult times. However, we believe that with God’s help, thanks to our faith, as well as with the support of friendly countries, first of all, the Russian Federation, we will be able to overcome this ordeal,” added the Armenian Catholicos. They also discussed the measures that they could take to resolve the conflict peacefully.

As the meeting ended, Patriarch Kirill I of Moscow and All Russia awarded His Holiness Karekin II with the Order of Glory and Honor of the Russian Orthodox Church for his contribution to the strong fraternal ties between both Churches. Karekin II received the award and said, “We consider this gift as a sign of Your Holiness’ respect and love for our people and the Church.” On the following day, a meeting was held between His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Catholicos Karekin II and Chairman of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the Caucasus Sheikh Allahshukur Pashazadeh.