Opening of the Gevorg VI Ecumenical Centre

On April 28, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the solemn opening ceremony of the Catholicos Gevorg VI Chorekchyan Ecumenical Centre was convened.

Operating in the new building will be WCC Armenia Inter- Church Charitable Round Table Foundation, the Inter- Church Relations Department of the Mother See,  and the Office on Eccleciastical Issues.

Present at the ceremony were Members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See; ;Mr. Reiner Morell, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Armenia; Metropolitan Ambrosios, Bishop of the Diocese of Helsinki and his delegation from the Finnish Orthodox Church, Members of the Board of Trustees and Officials of the Round Table Foundation; and other guests.
The Pontifical Encyclical was brought under the singing of the hymn “Etchmiadzinn I Hore“. His Holiness granted the “St. Nerses the Graceful” Medal of the Armenian Church to Dr. Nazarian for the commendable services with his God- loving spirit in the national and church life.

The Pontifical Encyclical, read by Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, stated in part, “Honourable Dr. Nazarian, it is a great joy to note that your God- blessed life as an honest child of Armenia is adorned with heaven sent achievements, bringing your service to our faithful people and contributions in realizing our Holy Church’s mission established by Christ. For many years now as the Director of the Armenian Inter Church Charitable Round Table Foundation you have progressively participated in the development and prosperity of Inter-church relations and in the mission of making the partnership of the churches more productive. With your rewarding undertakings, you have greatly contributed in establishing a flourishing and safe life in the communities of our Homeland, in providing social services, supporting the caring efforts of the clergymen and humanitarian organizations, also fostering the dialogue in our region for maintaining and reinforcing peace. Highly appreciating Your God- pleasing service and merit, with this Pontifical Encyclical We are bestowing upon you the “St. Nerses the Graceful” Medal of Our Apostolic Holy Church. We wish that with the same vigor and encouragement you continue your vital endeavors with new achievements”.

      Following the bestowal of the medal, the Director of the Round Table Foundation expressed his appreciation to the Catholicos of All Armenians for the high honor. Dr. Nazarian stated his confidence that the new center, established through the vision of His Holiness, would become a new impetus in realizing ecumenical projects with a greater swiftness and vitality, strengthening the ties between the Armenian Church and various public organizations.

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