On December 5, at the age of 86, His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, one of the most influential church leaders, passed away due to a lengthy illness. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the leading Armenian Apostolic Church, announced this news from its Information Center.

His Holiness Karekin II was born on July 11, 1937, in the village of Vagarshapat. He began his education at Sahakyan Seminary and later attended the Gevorgian Seminary in Echmiadzin. After completing his studies at the Vazken Gizharg Section of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, he pursued further education in England at the Kelham School of Theology and the London Theological College.

In 1963, he was ordained as a celibate priest by Archbishop Serovpe Manukyan. He received the rank of Archimandrite in 1964 for his exceptional service to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Continuing his journey in the Church, he was consecrated as a bishop in 1965 by N.S.O.T.T. Vazgen I, Catholicos of All Armenians.

Karekin II spent time in France, where he joined the monastic community in Marseille and served as the Vicar General under Catholicos Vazgen I. He was designated as the Primate of the Diocese of Nice in 1972 and consecrated as a bishop by Catholicos Shahen Ajemian in 1978.

In 1991, he became the Primate and Father Superior of the Marseille Diocese. The following year, he received the title of Archbishop from N.S.O.T.T. Vazgen I. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his contributions, including being awarded the “St. Nerses Shnorhali” Medal in 2003 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ordination.

Catholicos Karekin II’s passing is a significant loss for the Armenian Apostolic Church and the wider community. His influence and dedication to the Church will be remembered and cherished.

Source: News.am