International Orthodox Christian News

The Armenian Pontiff greeted the bishops and expressed His satisfaction and delight that by God’s grace the divine service of the Blessing of Holy Muron had taken place with joint prayer on 28 September, and heavenly gifts had been shed plentifully on the Homeland and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness also remarked that it was heartening to see such a great number of pilgrims from around the world travel to the Mother See on a pilgrimage and raise their prayers to God in the Mother Cathedral. He expressed his happiness that representatives of our sister Churches as well as state authorities led by the president of the Republic of Armenia, Serzh Sargsian, were also present for such an important event in the life of the Church. His Holiness also gave His blessings and expressed His gratitude to the head of the organizing committee for the Blessing of the Holy Muron, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, as well as the members of the committee for the excellent organization of the Ceremony, and for their dedication and continuous service.

During the meeting the Catholicos of All Armenians gave each Primate a container, shaped in the form of the Holy Lance, filled with the newly blessed Muron. He wished for the powers of the Holy Spirit to make them stronger in their missions for the flourishing of the Holy Armenian Church and the prosperity of the Armenian people. Over the next several days the Primates will depart Armenia and return to their respective Dioceses, taking with them the blessings of Holy Etchmiadzin and the newly blessed Muron for their pious faithful.

Source: