Divine Liturgy celebrated in Mother See on Army Day

On the Occasion of Army Day, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The celebration of the Divine Litutgy was presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The celebrant was the spiritual head of the Armenian Army Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamian.

According to the press office of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, among those present were Diocesan Primates of the Armenian Apostolic Church, members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See, Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian, high-ranking officers of the Armenian army, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Berge Setrakian, and AGBU members.

Following the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness Karekin II presided over a prayer for Armenia and the Armenian army. Then an official reception took place in the Gevorkian Theological Seminary, during which His Holiness Karekin II extended his blessings to those present, once again congratulating everyone on the 22nd anniversary of the Armenian army.

In his speech, His Holiness said with satisfaction that thanks to the selfless service of its soldiers, the Armenian army ensures peace of the country and a quiet life of our people and the Homeland. Karekin II wished goof health, efficient service and new achievements to the members of the Armenian armed forces - for the good of the Homeland and the Armenian people.

Then the ceremony of presenting orders was held. His Holiness Karekin II presented the St. Nerses Shorhali Orders to Major General Samvel Karapetian, Major General Poghos Poghosian, Fr. Garnik Hayrapetian, Colonel Daniel Balayan, and Colonel Onik Gasparian. The Pontifical Kondak was read by Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamian.