Pope Met with Archbishop Mesrob MutafyanDecember 1, 2006 - 15:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Within the framework of his visit to Turkey Pope Benedict XVI mer with Armenian Apostolic Patriarch of Istanbul, Mesrob Mutafyan. As PanARMENIAN.Net came to know from Marmara newspaper, the meeting lasted about hour and a half. Top security measures were undertaken and the Armenians living far from the Cathedral of Blessed Virgin in Kumkari could not attend the liturgy, since the center of the city was blocked. Benedict XVI was gifted a golden chalice made by Armenian masters in 1820. After a joint liturgy a khachkar dedicated to the visit of the Holy Father was consecrated in the church yard. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |