ECHMIADZIN — On July 21 Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Metropolitan Antonios (El Soury) of the Archdiocese of Zahle of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East. He was accompanied by Jean Makaron, Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to Armenia and philanthropist Nicola Abofayisa.
During the meeting, the catholicos conveyed fraternal greetings and best wishes to John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
Metropolitan Antonios expressed his joy for a visit to Armenia. He also reflected on the close ecumenical and historical ties between the two churches. At the end of his remarks, the Metropolitan asked for the support of the catholicos for building a chapel in Armenia, by a benefactor of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The catholicos expressed his appreciation to the benefactor for the initiative.
The Catholicos of All Armenians conveying his blessings, and once again expressed his love and warm regards to the Patriarch of Antioch of All the East. He recalled the care and attention of Lebanon and other Arab states to the Armenian people, providing an opportunity to the Armenians who survived the Genocide to rebuild their national and spiritual life.
The meeting was attended by Archbishop Yeznik Petrosyan, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Armenia.
