Historic decision of Pope and Patriarch of All Russia and Holy Armenian Apostolic Church

On February 12 Pope Francis and the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill held a historic meeting in the Cuban capital Havana.

Despite the fact that the leaders of the two churches have had a significant role in the ongoing events of the Christian World, the two leaders have not met after the Great Skhizm in 1051.

Even the threats of Christian importance that have been permanently suspended on the areas under the impact of the above-mentioned churches, the gained momentum in recent decades have not contributed to such a meeting.

Moreover, the Catholic and Orthodox churches continued the conflict which started more than a thousand years ago, using any possible for any opportunity to criticize each other.

Such historical burden on their shoulders Moscow’s Kirill Patriarch and Pope Francis met and discussed the issues facing the modern World, presented their joint statement

. This is undoubtedly a significant event for the entire Christian world. These factors can affect both ecclesiastical and political matters.

Pope Francis and Patriarch of All Russia in their statement addressed to the people living in in all continents and talked about the issues that are most painful for today’s reality. 

Naturally, it concerned the developments in the Middle East, where conflicts have affected the region’s Christians as well. 

The leaders of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches have expressed regret for the past millennium, that they have lost the touch with each other,lost the opportunities to face the challenges together.

The statements of the two spiritual leaders consist of 30 points which has a very interesting meaning. With Its spirits and content this document is very different from all types of contemporary political declarations, conventions, resolutions etc.

It highlights the need to fight against the increasing influence of Islam.

Regarding the impact of the Pope and Kirill Patriarch on the Christian World, it’s assumed that it will evoke serious considerations among Christian and Muslim leaders. Perhaps the ongoing conflicts will rise to another level.

The announcement of the leaders will definitely impact the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
For centuries the Armenian church has expressed the Armenian political interest.

Today, it has abandoned the mission, which could adversely affect the reputation of the church.

Of course with the existing autonomy it would be wrong to expect the same participation of the church in the politics.

And if the agreements of Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow create a new basis for international movement, then the church must be one of its pioneers.

For the interest of both the countries and Armenians worldwide.

By Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan