On June 15, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received pilgrims of the U.S. Eastern Diocese in Houston, Texas at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The pilgrims were accompanied by Vicar of the Diocese, Friar Simeon Odabashian and spiritual pastor of Houston, Priest Mardiros Hagopian.

Welcoming the pilgrims’ visit to Holy Etchmiadzin, the Catholicos of All Armenians gave his blessing and expressed his appreciation of everyone and urged them to continue their national and spiritual life and educate their children with the spirit of patriotism.

His Holiness attached importance to all Armenians’ visits to the Homeland that make the Armenians look toward the nation and the church more and help them become aware of their identity, the nation’s heroic past and the sufferings of their holy fathers.

The Supreme Patriarch also recalled his pontifical visits to Houston and particularly his meetings with the youth of the Armenian community.