On July 12, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received members of the Church-Loving Youth Unions of the Diocese of Aragatsotn at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, led by Rev. Fr. Paren Arakelyan, the head of the youth unions.
Introducing the young pilgrims, Fr. Paren noted that they had come to Holy Etchmiadzin to receive the blessing of the Patriarch of All Armenians.
His Holiness, conveying his paternal love and blessing, emphasized the significance of the youth unions operating under the auspices of the Armenian Church, as they provide young Armenians with the opportunity to connect with spiritual values and sacred heritage while contributing to the Church’s mission. On this occasion, the Catholicos of All Armenians expressed his gratitude to the clergy of the Diocese of Aragatsotn, led by the diocesan primate, for their dedication to the youth, strengthening their faith, and guiding them with the word of God.
During the meeting, His Holiness urged the young Armenians to cherish and uphold the eternal values preserved in the treasury of the Church, follow the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, remain steadfast in their faith, stay connected to the Mother Church, serve their Homeland, and be worthy sons and daughters of the Armenian nation.
His Holiness also answered the participants’ questions regarding the Armenian Church’s youth programs, pastoral activities, and opportunities for youth involvement in the Church’s mission.