On October 18, the international conference on “Church and State Relations: Imperatives and Challenges” was launched at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzing with the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The conference is organized by the Inter-Ecclesiastical Relations Department of the Mother See with the support of the Round Table Armenian Benevolent Foundation of the WCC and the U.S. Embassy in Armenia. Among the participants are cenobites of the Mother See, clergymen of Sister Churches, representatives of RA state organizations, universities of Armenia and Europe, international Christian and non-governmental organizations and different religious denominations of Armenia, as well as foreign diplomats accredited to Armenia.

During the solemn opening ceremony of the conference, the participants were greeted by Director of the Inter-Ecclesiastical Relations Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Prelate of the Artik Diocese, His Eminence, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan. His Holiness attached importance to the holding of the two-day conference at the Mother See and expressed confidence that the materials to be discussed would make the inter-church and interstate relations more fruitful.

The welcoming address of Chairman of the RA National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan was transmitted to the participants of the opening ceremony by NA Deputy Speaker Hermine Naghdalyan. In the address it was particularly stated: “I’m pleased to mention the fact that the Armenian Church is consistent with preservation and strengthening of spiritual values. Just days ago, the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church held an Episcopal meeting, which served as a decisive and important step for advancement of spiritual life, as well as the consolidation and unity of all Armenians around the world. The fact that that important historic event is followed by this conference devoted to church-state relations, as well as the current and future imperatives and challenges is appreciable. We all know the great mission of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church in Christian education, in instilling and reinforcing spiritual values and preserving the national identity. The Armenian Church continues that historic mission for Armenia and all Armenians around the world, staying true to the messages of our holy fathers.

Dear participants of the conference, I’m certain that realizing that we have to solve the issues of national concern through combined efforts and the close collaboration between the state and the church are in our nation’s interests. The Republic of Armenia has taken a new path for development and advancement where importance is attached to the functioning of democratic institutions, the protection of human rights, as well as freedom of speech and religion. In this sense, I express my satisfaction with the fact that Armenia, being an ancient Christian country and an ancient culture, has created great conditions and opportunities for other religions and denominations in Armenia.

The Armenian Apostolic Church, the historic and exclusive mission of which is enshrined by the RA Constitution, actively participates in inter-church and interreligious dialogues and plays a huge role in the dissemination of love, tolerance and cooperation in all parts of the world. Today, through this conference, the Armenian Church is making its contribution to the process of legislative reforms in this sphere.

During this conference, you will be discussing the experiences of different countries across Europe. I’m certain that by respecting the international principles of remorse and religious freedoms, you will also take into consideration our country’s religious and cultural peculiarities that form a part of the European civilization.

Dear participants of the conference, I welcome you once again and wish you success.”

The reading of the message was followed by welcoming remarks by General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches, Dr. Guy Liagran, who underlined the special role that the Armenian Church plays in the ecumenical inter-church organizations, particularly the Conference of European Churches. “…This conference is of important significance. Taking a look at the history, we see that Armenia is one of those countries that has paid a very high price to protect its general values, which has been partially due to its geopolitical position. Thus, your existence proves that a dedicated Christian society can overcome all challenges. As Churches, we need to make efforts to protect human rights, as well as defend democracy and rule of law. We believe that the freedom of belief is important for everyone. Even if the freedom of religion and remorse is given through several human rights in international law, we still have a lot to do. We have to show more respect to each other, regardless of our affiliation…I think this is the greatest challenge facing today’s societies,” General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches mentioned, attaching importance to the close collaboration with Churches.

Among speakers of the first session were Professor Marco Ventura (Faculty of Church Law at the Catholic University of Luven) and Director of the Publishing and Official Media Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Father, Archimandrite Shahe Ananyan, reports the press office of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to “Hayern Aysor”.