On October 3, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received a group of pilgrims from Bulgaria at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The group was accompanied by Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Bulgaria, Rev. Fr. Archimandrite Isahak Poghosyan and President of AGBU Armenia Vasken Yacoubian. Among the members of the group were national figures, artists and Members of Parliament who are also in Armenia to participate in the exhibition of famous Bulgarian-Armenian painter Petik Petrosyan organized under the auspices of the Catholicos of All Armenians and through the combined efforts of the National Galleries of Sofia and Armenia, reported the Information System of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to Hayern Aysor.

During the meeting, the Supreme Patriarch recalled his pontifical visit to Bulgaria, emphasizing the fact that he had witnessed how the Armenians of Bulgaria are religiously active and their aspiration to consolidate around the Armenian Church and live with national values. With a feeling of satisfaction, His Holiness also stated that the Armenians of Bulgaria have been around in Bulgaria for a long time and have always participated in the country’s development and advancement with their potential.

His Holiness stated that the Armenian communities of the Diaspora serve as a major bridge for the establishment of close and friendly relations between Armenia and the countries that have hosted them.

Touching upon the exhibition showcasing the paintings by the late Petik Petrosyan, His Holiness expressed his appreciation to all the organizers, stressing the fact that the conduct of such cultural events only helps the two nations get to know each other.

The Catholicos of All Armenians expressed confidence that such visits also serve as an impetus for revitalization of church life and for further strengthening of Armenian-Bulgarian relations.

Among the attendees of the meeting was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Armenia, Mrs. Maria Tsotsorkova-Kaymakchiyeva.