On Monday, 24 November 2008, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during his visit to the United Arab Emirates, met with His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and Ruler of Sharjah.
His Holiness was warmly welcomed by Sheikh Sultan, who reflected with happiness on his memories of visiting Armenia a few years ago. His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the Sheikh for the kind care and attention given to the Armenian community of the United Arab Emirates, specifically noting the help and support given by the ruler of Sharjah to the Armenians in establishing and building an Armenian church in his emirate. The Armenian pontiff also expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Sultan for sponsoring the renovation and restoration of the historic Monastery of Haghartsin in Armenia.
The Sheikh highly commended the Armenian communities of the Middle East as pious, faithful, worthy and hardworking members of society, and especially mentioned the love of knowledge and education which is highly valued by Armenian families. Sheikh Sultan also noted his joy upon learning of the progress of the reconstruction work of the buildings and road of the monastic complex of Haghartsin.
During the meeting, the Catholicos and the Sheikh also spoke about the importance of sustainable inter-faith dialogue; the special tolerance that exists in the UAE toward other faiths and cultures; and the need for respect and mutual love which shall be the guarantor of the peaceful and harmonious life of humanity.
Accompanying His Holiness during the meeting with Sheikh Sultan were His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus, Syria; Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian and Mr. Varoujan Nerguizian.
PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: +374-10-517163
Fax: +374-10-517301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.org
November 25, 2008
