The official visit of His Holiness Kirill I, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia to the Armenian Church commenced on March 16 with a welcoming service (Hrashapar), offered in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. Following greetings and remarks by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and His Holiness Kirill I, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, the two Pontiffs were escorted to the Pontifical Residence by the members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, where the two held a private meeting.

Following the meeting, a signing ceremony was held in the hall of the Pontifical Residence, presided over by the two Pontiffs. The Agreement for Relationship and Cooperation was signed between the two cities of Vagarshapat, Armenia and Sergiyev Posad, Russia.

The Pontiff of All Armenians introduced to the Patriarch of All Russia, those in attendance; the Primates of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Members of the Supreme Spiritual Council and Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to Armenia.

His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Martirosian, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese spoke on the significance of the ceremony and invited the respective Mayors of Sergiyev Posad and Vagarshapat to sign the Agreement.

The two Mayors extended their gratitude to the two Pontiffs in their remarks, for their presence and blessings for the important step.

"This Agreement will serve as an inspiration to build upon the great friendship that has already been established during the history of the two states. I am certain that through our cooperation with the authorities of Sergiyev Posad we will contribute to the development of the relationship between the two cities", stated Mr. Karen Grigorian, Mayor of Vagarshapat.

In his remarks Mr. Nikolay Vakhrameyev, Mayor of Sergiyev Posad, stressed the importance of the relationship between the two cities.

Following the signing ceremony and a brief press conference, the two Pontiffs and their delegation traveled to a monument near the village of Oshakan, which is dedicated to the memory of Russian soldiers who perished in1828 during the war between Russia and Persia. After placing a wreath at the memorial, the Pontiff of All Armenians and the Patriarch of All Russia raised their prayers to Heaven for the repose of souls of the soldiers.


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