Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on Wednesday received, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, a delegation led by Germany Bundestag (Parliament) member, Dr. Martin Pätzold.

Karekin II attested to the friendly and cordial relations between the two peoples, and the cooperation between the two countries. 

In the ensuing talk, the Catholicos reflected on the historic role which the Armenian Church has played in the national and spiritual life of the Armenian nation. 

Speaking on the difficulties which the Armenian Church has faced throughout history, Karekin II specifically pointed to the dire losses which the Armenian nation and Church have suffered as a result of the Armenian Genocide. In this connection, the Catholicos expressed the hope that in 2015, when the Armenians will commemorate the centennial of the Genocide, international community will support the Armenian people in the Genocide’s international recognition and condemnation.    

The interlocutors also discussed Church-state relations, the Church engagement in societal life, the activities of a variety of religious currents and organizations, the socioeconomic life in Armenia, and the challenges which the Armenian people face.