Western Diocese

On April 17, 2010 in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during the Repose of Soul service in memory of the victims of the airplane disaster that took the lives of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife Mrs. Maria Kaczynska, and high ranking state officials and clergymen of Poland.

Before the beginning of the ceremony, His Grace Bishop Paren Avetikian, Brotherhood Member of the Mother See delivered remarks to those present on behalf of the Armenian Pontiff and Members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See.

During the service the clergy and people in attendance sent their prayers to God asking for rest for the souls of the victims, and comfort for their relatives.

At the conclusion of the ceremony His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians expressed his condolences to the Polish nation and the Polish authorities. Present for the service were Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to the Republic of Armenia, representatives of the international organizations, high-ranking officials and members of the Polish Community in Armenia.

The Pontiff of All Armenians sent a Letter of Condolence to Mr. Bronisław Komorowski, Marshal of the Sejm (Speaker of Parliament) on this occasion.