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Pope Francis to Armenian Catholicos: Blood of martyrs is seed of unity
18:32 08.05.2014
Pope Francis received the Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
Catholicos Karekin II, on Thursday at the Vatican. The Catholicos is
in Rome on a three-day visit that concludes on May 9. In remarks
prepared for the occasion, Pope Francis recalled Pope St. John Paul
II's 2001 visit to Armenia, and the many other visits the Catholicos
has made to Rome and to the Popes in the Vatican, especially his 2008
visit to Pope Benedict XVI and his participation in the inauguration
of Pope Francis' own pontificate.
The Holy Father went on to recall Catholicos Karekin's participation
in the Jubilee year commemoration of the Witnesses to the Faith of the
20th century.
`In truth,' said Pope Francis, `the number of disciples who shed their
blood for Christ in the tragic events of the last century is certainly
superior to that of the martyrs of the first centuries, and in this
martyrology, the children of the Armenian nation have a place of
honor.' Pope Francis went on to say, `The mystery of the Cross,
Holiness, so dear to the memory of your people, represented in the
splendid stone crosses that adorn every corner of your land, has been
lived by countless of your children as a direct participation in the
chalice of the Passion.' `Their testimony,' he continued, `at once
high and tragic, must not be forgotten.'
Pope Francis went on to say that the suffering endured by Christians
in recent decades has brought a unique and inestimable contribution
also to the cause of Christian unity.
`As in the ancient Church, the blood of the martyrs became the seed of
new Christians,' said Pope Francis, `so in our day the blood of many
Christians has become the seed of unity.' The Pope continued, saying,
`The ecumenism of suffering and the ecumenism of martyrdom, the
ecumenism of blood is a powerful call to journey along the road of
reconciliation among the Churches, with decision and with trusting
abandonment to the action of the Spirit.' Pope Francis said, `We feel
the duty to go down this road of fraternity, also because of the debt
of gratitude we owe to the suffering of our brothers, which has become
salvific because it has been united to the passion of Christ.'
Remarks of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians On the Occasion of the Meeting with His Holiness
Francis, Bishop of Rome and Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
Your Holiness and Beloved Brother in Christ,
We offer thanks to the Most High, that through His merciful will and
Your Holiness' kind hospitality, we once again enjoy the opportunity
to renew the divine love between our Churches and our brotherhood with
an embrace of Christian love; and standing before the imperatives of
the present time, to strengthen the collaboration between our
Churches. Today, with a joyful heart, we greet you with the words of
the Psalmist, `Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity.' Psalm 132:1.
Our memories of your enthronement ceremonies remain fresh, where we
were present together with the president of the Republic of Armenia
and representatives of our Sister Churches, and experienced the
opportunity to pray for longevity and a fruitful reign for Your
Holiness. A prolific time has passed since that memorable day. We
have followed with happiness the multifaceted activities of Your
Holiness, who with divine vigor, as the brave chief shepherd and with
diligent dedication, is realizing his mission and increasing labors
for the benefit of the vibrancy, welfare and reformation of the
Catholic Church; and also contributes greatly to the reinforcement of
the Christian faith and spiritual-moral values throughout the entire
world, the defense of human rights, and the establishment of harmony
and peace on earth. Your Holiness' special attention to the youth,
and your care for the poor and those in trouble, have resounded
greatly in the souls of men, and strengthens the love for you and
toward Christ's Holy Church. Our Church too, ancient and established
by the Holy Apostles, having shaken off the Soviet, God-denying years,
and filled with new energy is accomplishing the God-commanded mission
in Armenia ` the biblical land of Ararat; and in Artsakh ` the
Republic of Nagorno Karabagh ` that is struggling to secure
recognition of its right to live free and independent; and in the life
of our people dispersed throughout the various countries of the world.
The Armenian Church places great importance and attention on working
with the youth, to educate the young generation in spiritual and moral
values, to supporting the poor, and to dealing with the contemporary
challenges facing mankind, in accord with the holy inheritance of our
fathers and the holy commandments of the Gospel.
It is with contentment we reflect that as we triumph over the many
challenges facing the Church, we have been able to record positive
examples of cooperation with the Catholic Church. Indeed, the
relationships between the Armenian and Catholic Churches have their
historical roots. Our bilateral relations have been significantly
effective during the reigns of Armenian Church pontiffs of luminous
memory Gregory III Pahlavuni and St Nerses the Graceful, as well as
the times of Popes Innocent II and Anastasius IV. And today as well,
with thanks to God, relations are living an era of mutual development.
Our relations are nourished by the reciprocal visits of the heads of
our Churches, and on the diocesan and parochial levels, through
inter-church activities and the realization of concurrent educational
and charitable programs. Young Armenian clergy, who have continued
their educations in Catholic institutions of higher learning, today
are providing their selfless service to the Armenian Church. We place
importance on the ongoing theological dialogue between the Ancient
(Oriental) Orthodox Churches and the Catholic Church, whose goal is to
elevate our commonalities and the reinforcement of our bilateral
relationships.
Dear Brother in Christ, our meeting today is symbolic, since on May 8
and 9, many nations and states commemorate the victory over the
worldwide evil of fascism. Humanity, which has experienced the
destructions and violence of two world wars in the 20th century, is
still unable to free itself from the horrors of wars, humanitarian and
environmental disasters, and political and economic crises. Today in
different corners of the world, conflicts have erupted, which bring
sorrow and suffering to men, dispense ruin and loss, and increase need
and poverty. In our daily prayers are the people in those countries
who find themselves in conflict, and in particular, Ukraine, the
Middle East and Syria, which is among the cradles of Christianity, and
for centuries was a dwelling place of peaceful coexistence for Muslim
and Christian peoples.
Recently added to the horrors occurring Syria was the destruction and
removal of Armenians in the primarily Armenian-populated village of
Kessab by militant extremists with the assistance of Turkey. We
strongly condemn conflicts and terrorism that disrupt the peace of the
world, and which are thoroughly against the will of God, as the
Apostle says, `For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.'
1 Corinthians 4:33.
In Syria, in the deserts of Der Zor, rest thousands of Armenians who
were victims of the 20th century's first crime against of humanity `
the Armenian Genocide. Syria gave refuge to the sons and daughters of
the Armenians who survived the terrors. The saying is true that those
who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Regrettably,
by not condemning the Genocide of the Armenians at the time, the world
bore witness to yet another crime that was implemented during the
Second World War against the Jewish people. And still fresh in our
memories are the genocides in Sudan and DarfurŠ
We are well aware that Your Holiness, during the years of your tenure
in Argentina, and also now as the Pontiff of the Catholic Church, has
presented your clear position on the Armenian Genocide. Next year,
the Armenian people in Armenia and the Dispersion will commemorate the
100th anniversary of the Genocide of the Armenians. Dear Brother in
Christ, we invite Your Holiness to visit the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin in 2015. It will be spiritually consoling for our sons
and daughters to stand in united prayer with Your Holiness' in the
Mother Cathedral of the Descent of the Only Begotten, to offer
supplications up to Almighty God for the innocent victims of the
Genocide, for peace on earth and the wellbeing of mankind.
With feelings of boundless consolation, we also inform you that our
Holy Church has commenced on the path of canonization of the martyrs
of the Armenian Genocide, and by the merciful will of God, the process
will be completed by 2015.
We pray to God, to grant long years of sun-filled reign to Your
Holiness, for the vibrancy of the Catholic Church and the prosperity
of your faithful flock. May the Lord keep His Holy Church strong with
countless graces, keep the brotherhood between our Churches strong,
and grant a cloudless and tranquil sky over the entire earth and the
whole of mankind.
`Lead us, O Lord our God, and teach us to walk your path in
righteousness; keep our life in peace, and our course according to
Your will. Amen' Armenian Book of Hours (Breviary).
http://www.armradio.am/en/2014/05/08/pope-francis-catholicos-of-all-armenians-meet-at-the-vatican/
18:32 08.05.2014
Pope Francis received the Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
Catholicos Karekin II, on Thursday at the Vatican. The Catholicos is
in Rome on a three-day visit that concludes on May 9. In remarks
prepared for the occasion, Pope Francis recalled Pope St. John Paul
II's 2001 visit to Armenia, and the many other visits the Catholicos
has made to Rome and to the Popes in the Vatican, especially his 2008
visit to Pope Benedict XVI and his participation in the inauguration
of Pope Francis' own pontificate.
The Holy Father went on to recall Catholicos Karekin's participation
in the Jubilee year commemoration of the Witnesses to the Faith of the
20th century.
`In truth,' said Pope Francis, `the number of disciples who shed their
blood for Christ in the tragic events of the last century is certainly
superior to that of the martyrs of the first centuries, and in this
martyrology, the children of the Armenian nation have a place of
honor.' Pope Francis went on to say, `The mystery of the Cross,
Holiness, so dear to the memory of your people, represented in the
splendid stone crosses that adorn every corner of your land, has been
lived by countless of your children as a direct participation in the
chalice of the Passion.' `Their testimony,' he continued, `at once
high and tragic, must not be forgotten.'
Pope Francis went on to say that the suffering endured by Christians
in recent decades has brought a unique and inestimable contribution
also to the cause of Christian unity.
`As in the ancient Church, the blood of the martyrs became the seed of
new Christians,' said Pope Francis, `so in our day the blood of many
Christians has become the seed of unity.' The Pope continued, saying,
`The ecumenism of suffering and the ecumenism of martyrdom, the
ecumenism of blood is a powerful call to journey along the road of
reconciliation among the Churches, with decision and with trusting
abandonment to the action of the Spirit.' Pope Francis said, `We feel
the duty to go down this road of fraternity, also because of the debt
of gratitude we owe to the suffering of our brothers, which has become
salvific because it has been united to the passion of Christ.'
Remarks of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians On the Occasion of the Meeting with His Holiness
Francis, Bishop of Rome and Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
Your Holiness and Beloved Brother in Christ,
We offer thanks to the Most High, that through His merciful will and
Your Holiness' kind hospitality, we once again enjoy the opportunity
to renew the divine love between our Churches and our brotherhood with
an embrace of Christian love; and standing before the imperatives of
the present time, to strengthen the collaboration between our
Churches. Today, with a joyful heart, we greet you with the words of
the Psalmist, `Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity.' Psalm 132:1.
Our memories of your enthronement ceremonies remain fresh, where we
were present together with the president of the Republic of Armenia
and representatives of our Sister Churches, and experienced the
opportunity to pray for longevity and a fruitful reign for Your
Holiness. A prolific time has passed since that memorable day. We
have followed with happiness the multifaceted activities of Your
Holiness, who with divine vigor, as the brave chief shepherd and with
diligent dedication, is realizing his mission and increasing labors
for the benefit of the vibrancy, welfare and reformation of the
Catholic Church; and also contributes greatly to the reinforcement of
the Christian faith and spiritual-moral values throughout the entire
world, the defense of human rights, and the establishment of harmony
and peace on earth. Your Holiness' special attention to the youth,
and your care for the poor and those in trouble, have resounded
greatly in the souls of men, and strengthens the love for you and
toward Christ's Holy Church. Our Church too, ancient and established
by the Holy Apostles, having shaken off the Soviet, God-denying years,
and filled with new energy is accomplishing the God-commanded mission
in Armenia ` the biblical land of Ararat; and in Artsakh ` the
Republic of Nagorno Karabagh ` that is struggling to secure
recognition of its right to live free and independent; and in the life
of our people dispersed throughout the various countries of the world.
The Armenian Church places great importance and attention on working
with the youth, to educate the young generation in spiritual and moral
values, to supporting the poor, and to dealing with the contemporary
challenges facing mankind, in accord with the holy inheritance of our
fathers and the holy commandments of the Gospel.
It is with contentment we reflect that as we triumph over the many
challenges facing the Church, we have been able to record positive
examples of cooperation with the Catholic Church. Indeed, the
relationships between the Armenian and Catholic Churches have their
historical roots. Our bilateral relations have been significantly
effective during the reigns of Armenian Church pontiffs of luminous
memory Gregory III Pahlavuni and St Nerses the Graceful, as well as
the times of Popes Innocent II and Anastasius IV. And today as well,
with thanks to God, relations are living an era of mutual development.
Our relations are nourished by the reciprocal visits of the heads of
our Churches, and on the diocesan and parochial levels, through
inter-church activities and the realization of concurrent educational
and charitable programs. Young Armenian clergy, who have continued
their educations in Catholic institutions of higher learning, today
are providing their selfless service to the Armenian Church. We place
importance on the ongoing theological dialogue between the Ancient
(Oriental) Orthodox Churches and the Catholic Church, whose goal is to
elevate our commonalities and the reinforcement of our bilateral
relationships.
Dear Brother in Christ, our meeting today is symbolic, since on May 8
and 9, many nations and states commemorate the victory over the
worldwide evil of fascism. Humanity, which has experienced the
destructions and violence of two world wars in the 20th century, is
still unable to free itself from the horrors of wars, humanitarian and
environmental disasters, and political and economic crises. Today in
different corners of the world, conflicts have erupted, which bring
sorrow and suffering to men, dispense ruin and loss, and increase need
and poverty. In our daily prayers are the people in those countries
who find themselves in conflict, and in particular, Ukraine, the
Middle East and Syria, which is among the cradles of Christianity, and
for centuries was a dwelling place of peaceful coexistence for Muslim
and Christian peoples.
Recently added to the horrors occurring Syria was the destruction and
removal of Armenians in the primarily Armenian-populated village of
Kessab by militant extremists with the assistance of Turkey. We
strongly condemn conflicts and terrorism that disrupt the peace of the
world, and which are thoroughly against the will of God, as the
Apostle says, `For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.'
1 Corinthians 4:33.
In Syria, in the deserts of Der Zor, rest thousands of Armenians who
were victims of the 20th century's first crime against of humanity `
the Armenian Genocide. Syria gave refuge to the sons and daughters of
the Armenians who survived the terrors. The saying is true that those
who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Regrettably,
by not condemning the Genocide of the Armenians at the time, the world
bore witness to yet another crime that was implemented during the
Second World War against the Jewish people. And still fresh in our
memories are the genocides in Sudan and DarfurŠ
We are well aware that Your Holiness, during the years of your tenure
in Argentina, and also now as the Pontiff of the Catholic Church, has
presented your clear position on the Armenian Genocide. Next year,
the Armenian people in Armenia and the Dispersion will commemorate the
100th anniversary of the Genocide of the Armenians. Dear Brother in
Christ, we invite Your Holiness to visit the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin in 2015. It will be spiritually consoling for our sons
and daughters to stand in united prayer with Your Holiness' in the
Mother Cathedral of the Descent of the Only Begotten, to offer
supplications up to Almighty God for the innocent victims of the
Genocide, for peace on earth and the wellbeing of mankind.
With feelings of boundless consolation, we also inform you that our
Holy Church has commenced on the path of canonization of the martyrs
of the Armenian Genocide, and by the merciful will of God, the process
will be completed by 2015.
We pray to God, to grant long years of sun-filled reign to Your
Holiness, for the vibrancy of the Catholic Church and the prosperity
of your faithful flock. May the Lord keep His Holy Church strong with
countless graces, keep the brotherhood between our Churches strong,
and grant a cloudless and tranquil sky over the entire earth and the
whole of mankind.
`Lead us, O Lord our God, and teach us to walk your path in
righteousness; keep our life in peace, and our course according to
Your will. Amen' Armenian Book of Hours (Breviary).
http://www.armradio.am/en/2014/05/08/pope-francis-catholicos-of-all-armenians-meet-at-the-vatican/