Armenian church leader asks German president to push for prisoner release in Azerbaijan

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who was in Armenia on an official visit, paid a visit to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on Tuesday.

His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, warmly welcomed Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness presented the significant role of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and Holy Etchmiadzin in shaping the national and Christian identity of the Armenian people, as well as its vital mission in preserving Armenian heritage, the church press office reported. “His Holiness emphasized that, throughout history, the Armenian people, empowered by faith and trust in God, have risen above many Golgothas drawing strength from the example of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, including the Armenian Genocide at the outset of the 20th century. His Holiness expressed confidence that, with the same faith and determination, the Armenian people will surmount the challenges currently facing their homeland,” it said.

“Considering that President Steinmeier was scheduled to visit Azerbaijan, His Holiness respectfully requested that the President raise crucial issues during his discussions in Baku, including the protection of the legitimate rights of the people of Artsakh, the urgent release of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages, and the preservation of Armenia’s invaluable spiritual and cultural heritage.”

The Armenian religious leader affirmed that a lasting and sustainable peace in the region could only be achieved through principled dialogue that ensures a just resolution, thereby fostering conditions for the peaceful coexistence of nations.

In turn, Steinmeier expressed his sincere gratitude to Catholicos Karekin II for the opportunity to visit this revered Christian sanctuary and underscored the pivotal role of religion in promoting peace and mutual understanding among nations. Steinmeier assured Karekin II of his commitment to facilitating efforts to secure a durable and lasting peace in the region.

Following the meeting, Catholicos Karekin II and President Steinmeier jointly offered a prayer at the Holy Descent Altar, asking God for global peace and the well-being and safety of all humanity.

Upon completion of his visit, the German leader, accompanied by Bishop Serovbé Isakhanyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany, toured the Mother Cathedral and was briefed on the historical significance and recent restoration efforts of this sacred site.