YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–His Holiness Karekin I–Catholicos of All Armenia’s–together with heads of dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church visited President Robert Kocharian–Monday. After offering congratulatory wishes–Catholicos Karekin I said the church had always been beside the state and over the centuries when the Armenian nation lacked a state–the church helped it maintain its identity and role. The Pontiff offered the church’s help with its internal and external structures at this historical juncture.
Thanking the Catholicos for his kind wishes–Kocharian said–"I took over the office of President with the deep sense of responsibility and am ready to justify the trust of my people." Kocharian spoke about the positive atmosphere in Armenia and stressed the role of the church in the effort to maintain this atmosphere.
The two also conferred about issues pertaining to spiritual upbringing and teaching religion at schools. Kocharian said that the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia is a serious political event and therefore correct organizational and preparatory work is necessary.
The religious delegation also met with Prime Minister Armen Darbinian–where the importance of the country’s executive body in the stable development of economy and society was noted. Catholicos Karekin I said–"The accomplishmen’s of ideals will demand exclusive capabilities." He voiced confidence that the cabinet being formed on the basis of professionalism will be able to solve the mentioned problems.
Darbinian noted that his objective was to ensure consistent economic reforms.
Also discussed was the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia–the role and significance of Armenian religion in education–as well as the construction of a cathedral in Yerevan.