Discours d'accueil de Robert Kotcharian - visite de Jean Paul II
25 septembre 2001

SPEECH BY H.E. ROBERT KOCHARIAN AT THE WELCOMING CEREMONY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 25,

Your Holiness,
Your Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians,
Honoured Clergy,
Dear Guests,

We are greatly honoured and happy to welcome The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II onto Armenian soil. The visit of the Roman Pope is an important event in the life of every country. But this indeed is an historic occasion for us - the first visit ever in the history of the Holy See of the Head of the Roman Catholic Church to Armenia. The history of Christianity, which is so closely related to the achievements of human civilisation, is our common bond. Having been amply tested throughout seventeen centuries, our shared faith and values now provide strong foundations for the warmth of our relations. This is why we are confident, that this visit is of an historical nature in terms of expanding and deepening still further the relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Vatican. Your Holiness, You have been at the heart of the momentous processes of change that have been taking place in the countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. They signal the beginning of a new era for human and national freedoms. The universal nature of your work, your efforts to preserve peace and stability in the world are an inspiration to us. The rich tradition of these ties has already been impressively displayed. I remember the enormous response provoked by the "Armenia-Roma" Exhibition at the Vatican, to which Your Holiness made a considerable contribution. The meaning of the Holy Father's presence in Armenia is intensified by the occasion of his visit to mark the seventeen hundredth anniversary of our nation's adoption of Christianity as the state religion. We pay tribute to the faith and dedication of our ancestors. The deeds of our forefathers brought spiritual awakening to the Armenian nation and enriched the treasury of our common Christian culture. The power of Christianity's ideas, its spiritual and moral foundations are meaningful for all times. In the contemporary world, when mankind witnesses deplorable manifestations of hatred, its universal values of compassion, forgiveness, and brotherly love acquire added meaning and significance. Ten years ago, Armenia re-established its independent statehood. We are celebrating with joy this important anniversary too. For in this new Millennium our State is reviving its entire historical and cultural heritage, which is so deeply indebted to Christianity. Contemporary understanding of our traditional values has drawn us towards European standards of law and democracy as the ones to defend the God-given freedoms of man and nation. Armenia's geographical location has always placed us at the frontiers of different civilisations and religions. This reality and the existence of the Armenian Diaspora have opened up new horizons of understanding for us and compelled a broad view of the world. We have enriched ourselves with the fruits of harmony, tolerance and goodwill. Your Holiness, We welcome the strengthening of relations between the Vatican and the Armenian Apostolic Church, enriched as they are by centuries of tradition between sister Churches. We are enthused by the ecumenical spirit with which these relations are guided today. It is an honour to welcome you, Your Holiness, to Armenia, at the foot of Biblical Mount Ararat. Your presence brings a special significance to our most special celebrations. Welcome.