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  • Archbishop’s First Pastoral Visit to Russia Concluded with Visits to the Cities of Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Venyov, and Ulyanovsk

    13.01.2025


    On January 7, 2025, His Excellency Archbishop Gevorg Noradoukian paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Catholic community of the city of Venyov, Tula region, and served the Divine Liturgy with the presence of the local parish, Reverend Father Sedrak Khitaryan, and Reverend Father Petros Petrosyan. The spiritual Leader spoke about the sacraments of the Epiphany and Baptism. In honor of the Archbishop, after the Liturgy, a reception was organized by the local Armenian community and the parish at the city theater. The Armenian Catholics of Venyov warmly and with great joy received the visit of His Excellency, remembering the memorable moments of his fruitful pastoral service for the community in Venyov. His Excellency expressed his joy for the Armenian Catholic Church being built in Venyov with the sponsorship of local benefactors and prayed that the work would soon be completed.

     

    His Excellency also met with the Vicar of the Tula Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, Bishop of Venyov Theodoret, who welcomed him at the Monastery of John the Forerunner. Bishop Theodoret presented His Excellency with the history of the monastery and its relics, which greatly impressed His Excellency. They discussed inter-church fraternal relations and the common mission of proclaiming the Gospel.

     

    On January 8, Archbishop Noradoukian also paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Catholic community of Ulyanovsk and celebrated Holy Mass. Here, His Excellency also recalled the episodes of his pastoral ministry related to the local community and reflected on the mystery of the feast of the Epiphany.

     

    On January 10, 2025 His Excellency Archbishop Gevorg Noradounkian visited the city of Novosibirsk, in Russia, where he met with Bishop Joseph Vert of the local Latin community, then, was welcomed by the local monks of the Jesuit Order. On January 12, His Excellency celebrated the Holy Mass for the Armenian Catholic community of Tomsk, with the presence of Jesuit Father Hovsep Meliksetyan.

    In his sermon, Archbishop Gevorg Noradounkian spoke about the significance of the Epiphany feast, presented the gospel episode of the visit of the Magi, explained the meaning, of Herod’s deceptions, comparing them with the behavior of malicious people in today’s world, who speak with sweetness, under which poison is hidden. However, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, with the guidance of the star of Jesus, we can distinguish and avoid all the pitfalls of evil. His Excellency also spoke about the importance of preserving the Armenian identity, urging children to learn the Armenian language, like a prayer.

     

    Archbishop Noradounkian concluded his first pastoral visit to Russia with Divine Liturgy and returned to Armenia on January 13.

    Secretariat of the Armenian Catholic Ordinariate

    Translated by Ulyana Kostanyan

     

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