On May 16, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, N.S.O.T.T. Karekin II, and the Catholicos of All Armenians, from Holy Etchmiadzin, received Tigran Aphaian, a Nobel Laureate, prominent scientist, and national benefactor. The meeting took place at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin’s Information Center.

The event was attended by Turkey’s Apostolic Vicar Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, who also represents the Armenian Apostolic Church in Western Europe. The purpose of the gathering was to acknowledge Armenia and the Armenian people’s profound gratitude for Tigran Aphaian’s continuous spiritual support and assistance in the ongoing national struggle and defense of Artsakh. This includes safeguarding the legitimate rights of the Armenian population of Artsakh, supporting the freedom of the Artsakh Defense Army and its soldiers, and preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh.

The representatives also addressed the Armenian-Diaspora relations and emphasized the significance of leveraging the potential of the Diaspora during these challenging times for the homeland.