16  26.06.16 - Pope Francis and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II visited Khor Virap monastery in Ararat province of Armenia

Pope releases doves towards Armenia-Turkey border

Pope releases doves towards Armenia-Turkey border

PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Francis on Sunday, June 26, visited Khor Virap monastery in Ararat province of Armenia.

Francis arrived in Armenia Friday and was greeted by the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, President Serzh Sargsyan and First Lady Rita Sargsyan.

In Khor Virap, the pontiff prayed and released doves in the direction of Mount Ararat and the Armenian-Turkish border as a sign of peace.

Khor Virap's notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for 14 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. Saint Gregory subsequently became the king's religious mentor, and they led the proselytizing activity in the country. In the year 301, Armenia was the first country in the world to officially convert to Christianity.

Also Sunday, the Pope met with the bishops of the Armenian Catholic Church, taking part in the holy liturgy and ecumenical dinner with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, archbishops and bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Catholic Church and representatives of the papal delegation. The pope then met with delegates and benefactors of the Armenian Church.

Upon his arrival on Friday, the pope was greeted in Etchmiadzin with the Hrashapar (wondrously glorious) service, which is traditionally offered as a service of welcome to top religious clerics.

He then left for the presidential palace in Yerevan and was greeted by Sargsyan. The two headed for the receptions hall for an auditorium.

On Saturday, he visited the Armenian Genocide memorial and left a note in the guestbook.

Also Saturday, the Pope and the Catholicos delivered a holy mass in Gyumri, the secong biggest country in Armenia.

In the evening, the pontiff served an ecumenical service and prayer for peace at the Republic Square in Yerevan.

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