By Asbarez | Thursday, 08 September 2016
STEPANAKERT (ArmRadio)—His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenian, visited the frontlines on September 8 accompanied by Deputy Commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, Major General Vardan Balayan and members of the Supreme Spiritual Council to offer blessings to the commanders and soldiers.
“Accept our blessing, appreciation and gratitude for the devoted service you are carrying out to keep our borders secure and ensure peace in Armenia and Artsakh,” His Holiness said.
The Catholicos wished the soldiers safe service and triumphant return home.
His Holiness presented crosses to the soldiers and another one to the chapel built by the servicemen.
Karekin II’s visit to Artsakh began on September 5 when he was en route to take part in the meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council in Stepanakert for September 6. Artsakh President Bako Sahakian and His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh attended the meeting.
His Holiness announced during the meeting that the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin will donate five hundred thousand U.S. dollars to.Artsakh for the needs of its citizens.
On September 7, the Catholicos, along with members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, visited a military unit of the Artsakh Defense Army, where he met with commanders and soldiers. He offered his blessings and appreciation for their deeds.
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