The Atrocities Committed Against Armenians and Greeks in the Early 20th Century Drive Them to Support Each Other: Catholicos

On November 6, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Prokopios Pavlopoulos, the President of the Hellenic Republic, and his delegation, who were on an official visit to Armenia, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, accompanied by Armenia's Minister of Environment, Erik Grigoryan, as reported by the information system of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Welcoming the high-ranking guest's visit to the spiritual center of the Armenian people, the Catholicos emphasized that the friendship between the Armenian and Greek peoples has deep historical roots, highlighting with satisfaction that such high-level visits strengthen and enhance Armenian-Greek ties.

The Catholicos reaffirmed that the close relations established between the two countries positively affect their global diasporas. In this context, His Holiness noted that during his pastoral visits to various countries, he has often witnessed the close cooperation and warm relationships between Armenian and Greek communities.

Karekin II pointed out that the atrocities committed against the Armenian and Greek peoples in the early 20th century push them to support each other and unite in international forums to demand and protect their rightful causes. His Holiness expressed hope that further deepening cooperation between the two countries would contribute to the progress and prosperity of both friendly nations.

Expressing gratitude to the Greek authorities for their benevolent care towards the Armenian community and the Armenian Diocese, the Catholicos emphasized the importance of the role of both the Armenian Apostolic and the Greek Orthodox Churches in deepening fraternal relations and maintaining ongoing warm ties.

On this occasion, the Catholicos extended his warm greetings and best wishes to His All-Holiness Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and Hieronymos II, the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece.

In his remarks, President Pavlopoulos noted that the history and friendship of the Armenian and Greek peoples are intertwined with blood, and therefore Greece also recalls and commemorates the atrocities of the early 20th century to ensure that such horrific crimes are never repeated.

Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos emphasized that Greece is willing to support Armenia's development and progress. The President considered it important that the fraternal warm relations between the two countries could serve as an example for many states around the world.

The President conveyed to His Holiness the greetings and best wishes of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece.

During the conversation, the Catholicos reaffirmed that Christian faith and values have been the foundation of the lives of both peoples, which has enabled them to overcome numerous difficulties and challenges.

In conclusion, the Supreme Patriarch wished that under the protection and blessing of God's All-Merciful Hand, Armenian-Greek relations would yield new achievements for the well-being of the two fraternal peoples.