Consecration ceremony was held in the church of San Gregoro Armeno, Naples, on Saturday on the occasion of the return of Armenia’s St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Holy relics.    

The ceremony was attended by Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan, Armenian ministers, Armenian Chief of Staff, ambassadors to Italy and the Holy See, Honorary Consul of Armenia in Milan, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia, cardinal Kurd Koch, 15 bishops of Armenian apostolic churches, as well as 10 bishops from Armenian Catholic church.

Armenia’s Ambassador to the Holy See Mikayel Minasyan played a big role in the organization of the ceremony. He was supported by cardinal and archbishop of Naples Crescenzio Sepe, Italian portal Servizio Inforazrione Religiosa reports.

The Italian embassy is also planning to organize activities in memory of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s legacy. Thus, the embassy is going to support the Christmas manger competition, during which the best masters will be assessed by the jury consisting of experts, Servizio Inforazrione Religiosa writes.

Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan who is currently on an official trip to Italy, attended the service and ceremony of the Return of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s relics, as well as the opening and dedication of one of the most beautiful Armenian cross-stones in the churchyard.   

Catholicos Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, awarded Armenia’s Ambassador to the Holy See Mikayel Minasyan with the highest church medal “Anania Shirakatsi” for the initiation of works aimed at the reconstruction of San Gregoro Armeno church in Naples and for his personal input in its reconstruction.

Serzh Sargsyan also bestowed high Armenian state awards on a group of Italian and Armenian politicians, economists and representatives of public sector for their service in the process of the Armenian Genocide recognition, enhancement of relations between Armenia and the Holy See, recognition of Karabakh’s independence, enhancement of the ties between Armenia and the Diaspora, as well as that of Armenian-Italian friendly ties.   

The Mayor of Naples awarded Armenia’s President with the Naples city order.