Armenia, Artsakh Diocesan Hierarchs Meet at Holy Echmiadzin

Catholicos-Patriarch Karekin II (Nersessian) of Echmiadzin has presided over a meeting of the diocesan hierarchs of the Armenian Orthodox Church of Echmiadzin in Armenia and Artsakh at Holy Echmiadzin. During the meeting the assembled hierarchs discussed the challenges facing the Armenian Orthodox Church in its heartlands, particularly the need for greater focus on the relationship between the Church's clergy and clerical families and its parishes. Concerns were also raised over the activities of various sects in Armenia and Artsakh. More here.

Archbishop Husik of Baku Reposes

Archbishop Husik (Santurian) has fallen asleep at St. Gayane's Monastery in Armenia. A long-term member of the Brotherhood of Holy Echmiadzin, Archbishop Husik was born in Sebaste (in modern day Turkey) in 1920, raised in Lebanon, and served as a bishop in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the patriarchal administration in Echmiadzin. More on his life and recent repose can be found here. May Archbishop Husik's memory be eternal!

Theophany Celebrations in Echmiadzin

Some beautiful pictures from the new style celebration of the Lord's Nativity and Theophany yesterday at the seat of the Armenian Orthodox Church in Holy Echmiadzin can be found here. (The Armenian Rite is the only rite in the Orthodox Church to have preserved the older custom of celebrating the Lord's Nativity and Theophany together on the same day.)

Pictured is Catholicos-Patriarch Karekin II (Nersessian) of Echmiadzin blessing the waters after yesterday's festal Divine Liturgy.

Metropolitan Hilarion in Armenia

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) is visiting Armenia at the invitation of Catholicos Karekin II (Nersessian) of Echmiadzin. His visit began with his reception by Catholicos Karekin at Holy Echmiadzin and a tour of the holy sites there. More on the visit can be found here and here.

Pictured is Catholicos Karekin receiving Metropolitan Hilarion in Holy Echmiadzin, Armenia.