Patriarch urges young priests to uphold the Church’s honor and overcome trials

On May 5, the Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II, received seven newly ordained priests who had been consecrated on May 3, the Feast of the Appearance of the Holy Cross. They were accompanied by Archbishop Natan Hovhannisyan, director of the External Relations and Protocol Department of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

During the meeting, Archbishop Natan presented the newly ordained priests and asked His Holiness for his blessing and guidance. The Catholicos congratulated them on their calling to pastoral service, offering his fatherly advice and blessing. He emphasized the importance of the priestly vocation and mission, highlighting devoted and responsible service for the glory of the Church and the prosperity and development of the homeland.

His Holiness urged the young clergy to be zealous and steadfast in their ministry, to overcome all trials and difficulties with spiritual strength and courage, to show selfless love for the homeland, the Church, and the people, to serve as examples of sacrifice and dedication for the faithful, to strengthen community life, and to uphold the good reputation of the Church.

At the end of the meeting, His Holiness blessed the priests with the “Pahpanich” prayer and presented them with liturgical books, the “Mashdots.”