His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, made a pontifical visit to Singapore on Sunday, Sept 29, to take part in a ceremony at the St. Gregory the Illuminator church, Asbarez reported.

During the visit, a Divine Liturgy was held in the Singaporean-Armenian church, after which His Holiness offered a blessing service for a memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide built in the courtyard of the church. Karekin II also blessed two carved cross-stones (khachkars) dedicated to the memory of His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Paleozian of Blessed Memory, former Primate of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the local Armenian community, students of the Singapore International School, clergy of sister Christian churches and diplomats.

In the evening, a reception was held in the famous Raffles Hotel, which was originally established by Singaporean-Armenians.

During the event, Armen Sargsian, Ambassador of Armenia to Singapore, delivered remarks. In his speech, the Ambassador emphasized that the pastoral visit of Catholicos Karekin II to Singapore once again proves the concern of His Holiness in the restoration and conservation of churches, and the special treatment of Holy Etchmiadzin towards the local Armenian community.

Karekin II offered his blessings to the attendees, congratulating them on the successes of the previous years and urging them to continue the noble mission of Armenian preservation.

On Monday, a concert was held at the St. Gregory the Illuminator church’s auditorium, with performances by talented local Armenian musicians.