WCC News: WCC moderator to Armenian churches and people: “we constantly pray for you”

Attending the reconsecration of the Mother Cathedral and the Blessing of the Holy Myron, World Council of Churches (WCC) moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm brought greetings on behalf of the fellowship of 352 churches in 120 countries. During the visit to Armenia on 18-22 September 2023, WCC delegation visited a 13th-century Noravank monastery, located in Amaghu River gorge, near the town of Yeghegnadzor in Armenia. Photo: Peter Prove/WCC 27 September 2024 His Holiness Karekin II, the Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, presided over the reconsecration ceremonies.  “The reason for my visit is a beautiful one,” said Bedford-Strohm. “What could be a more wonderful way to bring us together as the global community of churches than the reconsecration of one of the oldest churches on this globe!” He also reflected that the church’s walls hold many stories of blessings in which people have found strength and comfort especially in difficult times. “Armenia does presently go through difficult times,” he said. “This visit is also an important opportunity to tell you how much we think of you, how we constantly pray for you.” A WCC delegation led by WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay was present when renewed attacks at the Lachin corridor in September 2023. “Now you are impressively mastering the task of sheltering so many refugees and struggle to find a sustainable solution, which will not result in another war,” said Bedford-Strohm. “Please know that you have friends all over the world who are with you. The WCC certainly is certainly a close one.” In Armenia, WCC general secretary speaks for justice (WCC news release, 22 September 2023) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland