NEW AMBASSADOR FROM ARMENIA PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE

VATICAN CITY, SEP 15, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received the Letters of Credence from Armenia's new ambassador to the Holy See, Edward Nalbandian, noting that shortly he would be visiting that nation to help it celebrate "the festivities of the 17th centenary of Christianity." He added that this apostolic trip would allow him "to pursue and affirm the path of dialogue and the march towards unity undertaken with the Armenian Apostolic Church."

Speaking in French as he welcomed the ambassador at Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father recalled Armenia's "long history and a long Christian history" which began with St. Gregory the Illuminator (who) obtained Armenia's adherence to Christianity at the start of the fourth century. ... This work of evangelization has since then stimulated the birth of a strong and original culture, forged in the Christian faith, which showed itself to be throughout the centuries the authentic way for Armenians to preserve their identity."

"After the immense agony at the start of the last century," he stated, "your country has resumed its march before rediscovering, ten years ago, its independence. ... The Holy See encourages among all peoples the legitimate aspiration to well-being and freedom, reminding everyone of the duty to participate with patience and tenacity in building a nation in the perspective of the common good. It also tirelessly calls them to dialogue with their neighbors, to favor a just and lasting peace among everyone, and harmony among nations. The Holy See does not doubt the capacity of the Armenian people to realize these legitimate aspirations."

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