Gyumri, Armenia, Jun 8, 2016 / 05:02 am
Coming on the heels of the centenary of the Armenian genocide, Pope Francis' upcoming visit to the Caucasus nation is a sign of appreciation for the fidelity to Christianity, said one prelate involved in preparations for the trip.
"The Holy Father comes (in) appreciation to the Armenian nation for their fidelity to Christianity, to their faith, to their resistance, and to their culture," said Archbishop Raphael Minassian, the Armenian Ordinary of Eastern Europe, in an interview with CNA.
"I believe this is also a sign, a heavenly sign, to have the Holy Father in Armenia as a consolation, as a defense for (human rights), and the (strengthening) of society to continue to witness the mission that was given by our Lord to this nation, which is Christianity."
Archbishop Minassian explained that Armenia is a "Christian nation," and even while under communist rule, "they kept their faith very strong, inside, in the families."