Putin hails Armenian church as one of the world's oldest spiritual centersNovember 15, 2017 - 17:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - New Nakhichevan and Russian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church has served as a real spiritual center for thousands of people since 1717, Russian president Vladimir Putin said at an event marking the 300th anniversary of the foundation of the Diocese in Moscow on Wednesday, November 15. Putin stressed the exceptional importance of the Diocese's contribution to the strengthening of the traditionally friendly relations that have for centuries connected the peoples of Russia and Armenia, describing it as one the world's oldest Christian Churches. The Russian president said that "having begun its history back in 1717, the Diocese united all the Armenian churches existing in the territory of the then-Russia, becoming a real spiritual center for thousands of people and a most important factor in preserving the culture of the Armenian people, their customs and traditions." Over the centuries, the Diocese has been carrying out an important humanitarian, educational, charitable mission, perpetuating moral values, ideals of peace, goodness and justice among the society, Putin said. Also attending the event was Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan. Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency. Partner news | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |