Armenia`s Catholicos praises age-old relations with Russian Church.

HOLY ECHMIADZIN, March 17 (Itar-Tass) - Supreme hierarch of the
Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos of all Armenians Karekin II on
Tuesday welcomed the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill in the
mother see of the Armenian Church, the Holy Echmiadzin.
"Age-old relations between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the
Russian Orthodox Church are marked by the spirit of Christian brotherhood
and cooperation," Karekin II said. "Patriarch Kirill's visit offers a
doubtless proof to this God-pleasing reality."
"The consolidation of brotherly relations is a must in our days when
the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia, the Russian Church and
the Armenian Church have shaken off the yoke of godlessness and are faced
with new global challenges and alarming problems," he said.
"A new Russian church being built in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia,
and a new Armenian church being built in Moscow City will provide a new
ample proof of mutual respect and love between the two nations," Karekin
II said.
He recalled that the Russian Church, the Russian people and the
Russian state have for centuries been showing acceptance of and care for
the thousands upon thousands of Armenians living in Russia.
Karekin II expressed "the warm words of gratitude for the friendly
attitude towards the Russian Armenians."
This treatment has made it possible for the Armenian ethnic community
in Russia to blossom today, he said adding that the Armenians permanently
living in Russia make up the biggest community outside Armenia.
"As law-abiding citizens of the Russian Federation, the Armenians
invest their best efforts in the revival of the God-blessed country that
has become their haven," Karekin II said.