AGBU President Berge Setrakian Participates in Third Diocesan Representative Assembly at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

From October 31 to November 3, 2009, the third Diocesan Representative Assembly of the Armenian Apostolic Church was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and with the participation of representatives from the Armenian Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople; Diocesan Primates from Armenia and the Diaspora; high-ranking clergy; Members of the Supreme Spiritual Council and representatives of the laity. President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Mr. Berge Setrakian also arrived in Armenia to participate in the meeting.

On October 31, the opening ceremony of the meeting was held under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II. In attendance for the opening session were Mr. Bako Sahakian, President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh; Mr. Tigran Sargsian, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; and AGBU President Setrakian. In his remarks, His Holiness reflected on the current process of development of general guidelines for the Armenian Church.

Welcoming speeches were made by NKR President Sahakian and Prime Minister Sargsian. The Prime Minister reflected on the relations and close cooperation between the Church and State, stressing the significant role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the preservation of national identity.

On November 2, the Diocesan Representative Assembly convened in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and continued its work under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II. Present for the morning session was the President of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Serge Sargsian.

President Sargsian addressed the clergy and participants of the assembly, wishing them success in their meetings. He welcomed all the steps being taken for the reinforcement of the mission of the Armenian Church and for the fulfillment of the spiritual needs of Armenians living in the Diaspora. He also reflected on the 10th anniversary of consecration of His Holiness, expressing his gratitude for the enormous work that was accomplished during the last decade. Wishing His Holiness long-lasting Pontifical years and new achievements, President Sargsian granted to His Holiness the Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots -- the highest order of the Republic of Armenia -- for his efforts in the preservation and development of national and spiritual values and virtues. Also present at the meeting was AGBU President Setrakian.

In his speech on November 3, the third day of the session, Mr. Setrakian reflected on the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the history of the Armenian people and the cooperation between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the AGBU in the national-political life of our nation.

"The Armenian Apostolic Church, as a national church, has had an undeniable role in the history of our people. Today, in light of the new challenges facing the Diaspora, our national and spiritual life is in need of revival and, in this sense, we all need to act with new approaches and modern solutions."

Speaking about the relations and cooperation between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU, Mr. Setrakian said, "Traditionally our relations have been strong and enduring. Our cooperation has been based on the fact that the joint activities of the Mother See and AGBU have always been favorable for the nation in the Diaspora. In the course of history, guided by pan-Armenian interests, we've walked hand in hand with the Mother See with love unbiased and impartial. We are united in our endeavors and goals and certainly we are more powerful together."

Mr. Setrakian praised the activities of His Holiness Karekin II in the past decade. "In the past ten years, we have witnessed important achievements in reviving spirituality and spreading the faith. You've not only been a builder, a catholicos who built new churches in our motherland, but also a true spiritual leader, who consecrated 240 young clergymen for national-spiritual service. Due to Your active organizational skills, You are loved, respected and highly valued by everyone. I wish You good health and well-being, and I wish unwavering strength to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin," said Mr. Setrakian.