Vatican honors Armenians, issues stampsAugust 13, 2015 - 17:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Vatican’s Philatelic and Numismatic Office announced that it is issuing stamps in honor of the two prominent figures of the Armenian Church. 2015 marks the centenary of the martyrdom of Blessed Ignatius Maloyan, who was Archbishop of Mardin, Turkey, known for his closeness to the faithful of his diocese and alertness to their material, social and spiritual needs. He encouraged devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Mother of God in all the parishes. He showed his witness of faith in the Risen Christ when he called on his priests to pray and remain strong in the faith, given the tragic news and threats against the Armenian people in 1915 which deeply marked not only Turkey, but also all of Europe, Vatican said. "I’ve told you I shall live and die for the sake of my faith and religion. I take pride in the Cross of my Lord and God,” Maloyan told his executioner, who was trying to make him renounce his faith in order to save his life. In April 2015, Pope Francis declared Saint Gregory of Narek Doctor of the Church. Gregory of Narek lived most of his life in the monastery of Narek, Armenia, where he led a life marked by great humility and charity. He is celebrated as one of the greatest poets of Armenian literature. After his death, his tomb immediately became a pilgrimage site for the Armenian people. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). |