Preparations of "Catholik Gargin", Archbishop of Armenians of the World, for a trip to Iran
"Catholiq Gargin", the Archbishop of Armenians around the world, announced his readiness for his first trip to Iran.
"Mohammad Asadi Mohad", the Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran, met with officials of the "Echmiadzin" Church in Armenia, and in this meeting, ways to expand cultural and religious relations were discussed. In this meeting, Bishop "Natan", responsible for international relations of the Church of Echmiadzin, along with Mohammad Asadi, the Cultural Counselor of Iran, emphasized the continuation of cultural and religious cooperation between Iran and Armenia.
Bishop Nathan, while referring to the joint programs of the Etchmiadzin Church and the Iranian Cultural Council, expressed hope that they can develop these cooperations in the future. Mohammad Asadi, while referring to the plans of the organization’s presidency’s trip to Armenia and meeting with Catholicos Gargin II (Archbishop and religious leader of Armenians around the world), announced: “In the first round of cultural and interfaith dialogues held in Armenia, issues such as peace and peaceful coexistence from the perspectives of Islam and Christianity were raised. The second round of these talks is also scheduled to be held in Tehran.”
Regarding Catholicos Gargin's visit to Iran, he added: "Iranian religious centers, including the Khorasan Seminary and Astan Quds Razavi, are interested in Catholicos Gargin II visiting these centers. His visit to Tehran and Mashhad, given the spiritual status and religious capacities of Mashhad and the history of the Khorasan Seminary, can play an effective role in deepening cultural relations between the two nations of Iran and Armenia, as well as have positive effects on human society."
The Cultural Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran is interested in holding some of the cultural meetings in Armenia. These meetings could include topics such as the role of mosques and churches in strengthening the spiritual foundation of society, lifestyle, the role of religion and religious values in the lives of young people, and the status of women from the perspective of Islam and Christianity.
Asadi Movahed also made suggestions for the second round of talks to be held in Tehran. He added: "It would be better to hold these meetings in the form of a conference and include the presentation of 4 to 6 articles, half of which would be presented by Iranian representatives and the other half by Armenian representatives."
Bishop Nathan also said at this meeting and regarding the holding of the second round of talks in Iran: "In the last four decades, none of the world's Armenian leaders have traveled to Iran, but if the necessary preparations and protocols are in place, Catholicos Gargin II, the Archbishop of the World's Armenians, is ready to travel to Iran for the first time."
