SUPREME PATRIARCH
CATHOLICOS
OF ALL ARMENIANS
MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
No. 1066 June 30, 2006
His All Holiness Bartholomew I
Ecumenical Patriarch
Constantinople
Your All Holiness, Dear Brother in Christ,
By the grace of God, we have returned to Armenia and the Mother See of’ Holy Etchmiadzin with fond memories from our fraternal visit to Your All Holiness and our pontifical visit to the Armenian Patriarchate and community of Constantinople. Upon our arrival, with a content heart and filled with joy, we offered thanks to the Almighty for His mercy and love which gave us the opportunity to pray together in your holy churches and monasteries, and to continue the theological dialogue between our two Sister Churches, during which time became apparent the path to stronger ties. .
We extend to Your All Holiness our appreciation for the spirit of Christian brotherhood and kind hospitality you displayed towards us and our delegation. During our journey to Turkey, we especially enjoyed our visit to Halki Island and the Holy Trinity Monastery, and we look forward with hope to the recommencement of the mission of the Theological Seminary. We also express our contentment and joy for the wonderful dinner we enjoyed with Your All Holiness and His Beatitude Archbishop Christodoulos on the Bosporus.
With happy expectations of seeing you in Kazakhstan in September, we thank you once more for all of the courtesies extended to us during our trip. May the manifold blessings of the Lord continue to keep and protect the Ecumenical Patriarchate and all of her faithful under the shadow of His Holy Cross in peace. We pray that God grant Your All Holiness renewing successes, continued health and prosperity in your dedicated service to His Holy Church and your faithful flock.
With Fraternal Love,
KAREKIN II
SUPREME PATRIARCH
CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
