Archbishop Sepuh Chuljyan: Both Catholic and the Orthodox Churches will Include Narekatsi in Their Religious Calendars as a Holy and Beloved Saint

• 04.20.2015, 23:52
•  Armenia,  Interview

"Armedia" Information, Analytical Agency presents an exclusive interview with Prelate of the Gugarats Diocese of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church, Archbishop Sepuh Chuljyan

- His Eminence, on April 23 in Armenian and other Christian Churches bells will ring for 100 times, after which the minute of silence will be declared. What is the main idea of this initiative and which churches will join it?

- This refers to all Armenian Apostolic churches irrespective in what parts of the world they are. Where there are Armenian communities, in that places the whole Armenians together, according to their time schedule, will become participants of this event. This is the command to everyone. All of us, for the sake of honoring the memory of the victims of Genocide, will also pay tribute in this way. However there are also other churches – Orthodox churches in Europe and why not, some Catholic churches, which also have expressed their will to participate in this initiative on April 23 at 19:15, which symbolizes the year 1915.

To be involved - means in this way to sympathize with and support. This is the idea of the bell ringing, which will take place on April 23 – the day of the canonization of the victims of Genocide.  

- In the mass dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope Francise declared St. Grigor Narekatsi the Doctor of the Universal Church. What does this mean for the Armenian nation?

- St. Grigor Narekatsi as a prominent figure has always been there. It is already 1000 years the Armenian Church and the Armenia nation have a respectful attitude towards Grigor Narekatsi, and as a Saint ask his pleading. Therefore, it is us or people in our environment that have not seen the greatness of Grigor Narekatsi. Great people are always great, they do not even need to be noticed. But in this regard the declaration of St. Grigor Narekatsi as the Doctor of Universal Church is a step that touches our national self.  

And in honor to the Roman Catholic Church and in honor to the current Pope, Narekatsi gained a greater recognition. I hope that believers and scientists of different nations will read and learn about Narekatsi more. I think that both Catholic and the Orthodox churches will include Narekatsi, as St. Grigor Lusavorich, in their religious calendars as a holy and beloved saint. Do not forget that Narekatsi as a Saint has been canonized only by the Armenian Church, whereas other Christian Churches have not canonized him. Therefore I think that becoming the Doctor of Universal Church, Grigor Narekatsi will be more read and become more known. This, of course, touches our national religious feelings. It is quite natural that Armenian Saint appears in the center of the attention of the powerful Catholic Church.