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 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). |