ETCHMIADZIN (Noyan Tapan)–Having paid a visit to the Anglican Church and its leader Queen Elizabeth II–the Catholicos of All Armenia’s Karekin I began his pontifical visit of England’s Diocese Monday.
Karekin I was scheduled to meet with the Armenian youth and delivers several speeches at community gatherings and events. His Holiness will also visit the Armenian community of Manchester. On Sunday–Karekin I will celebrate a divine liturgy at the St.Peter Church of London.
Immediately upon arrival in London–His Holiness Karekin I met with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in London. That was viewed as an event of historic importance. During his meeting His Holiness spoke in detail about the current situation in Armenia–as well as the activities of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Armenia and abroad. A thanksgiving prayer was celebrated by the Heads of Armenian and Anglican Churches at Westminster Abbey later on Wednesday.
Archbishop of Canterbury Curry–in a meeting with the Catholicos expressed his gratitude to the Catholicosate’s efforts in strengthening ties between the two religious institutions.