Armenian church leader meets with young pilgrims of Eastern Diocese
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, on Wednesday received members of the senior group of the Church-loving Youth Unions of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, accompanied by the pastor of the Holy Trinity Church of Philadelphia, Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin reported.
Asking for the blessings of Catholicos Karekin II, Father Hakob introduced the young people who arrived at the Mother See, informing that the young people visited Armenia to participate in volunteer programs, as well as to share the historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of the homeland.
"His Holiness the Patriarch expressed his joy on the occasion of the visit of young Armenians to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, affirming with satisfaction that the participation of Diaspora Armenians in various volunteer activities also strengthens their connection with the motherland and contributes to the strengthening of the patriotic spirit. On this occasion, His Holiness appreciated the dedication of the young people, urging them to always put their abilities and skills at the service of humanitarian and benevolent volunteer programs," the church press office said.
The Armenian religious leader commanded the young people to keep intact their national identity and loyalty to their ancestral values and to be actively involved in the national-church life.