Happy that the Catholic Church Recognized the Inexhaustible Light Coming from the "Book of Lamentations": General Vicar at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Italy

• 04.09.2018, 13:18
•  Armenia,  Interview

"Armedia" IAA talked to Archimandrite Tovma Khachatryan, member of the brotherhood of Mother See Holy Etchmiadzin, General Vicar at the Armenia Apostolic Church of Italy on the installation of St. Gregory of Narek’s statue in Vatican and on his role and meaning.

- God Bless, Holy Father. How would you assess the importance of opening St. Gregory of Narek’s statue in Vatican?

- God bless you and thank you. The holy tradition of the Armenian Church and the hard work of the Armenian nation are the best estimates of St. Gregory of Narek and his work. Another estimate for his universal work and heritage was the installation of his statue in the Gardens of Vatican, the center of the Catholic Church. I think it is a reason to be proud to see the valued and honored contribution of our Saint within the circles of not only Armenian, but of other Christian denominations (distinct religious bodies within Christianity).

- According to you, does the title of the Doctor of the Church make St. Gregory of Narek more famous in the Christian world?

- St. Gregory of Narek has his special place in the Christian world due to his works, especially the translations of masterpiece prayer, "Book of Lamentations".  I would like, as a Member of the delegation of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, to pass the warm emotions from the Catholic Church clergymen: "We needed this big blessing." For our church St. Gregory of Narek has always been one of the greatest teachers. I am happy, that the Catholic Church, the one that bears ancient traditions, recognized the inexhaustible light coming from the "Book of Lamentations".