On Monday, January 8, Patriarch hosted the Spiritual Leaders of the Sister Churches and their accompanying delegations in the Patriarchate reception hall and accepted their congratulations on the Feast of the Holy Nativity.
During the receptions, Patriarch Sahak II was accompanied by Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, Superior Priest Harutyun Damadyan, Priest Hovagim Seropyan, Deputy Patriarch Senior Father Krikor Damadyan, Father Şirvan Mürzyan, Patriarchate Central Surp Asdvadzadzin Church foundation president Hrant Moskofyan, board members Tavit Damla and Sayat Sar.
During the congratulatory visits that started at noon, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos, Assyrian Ancient Patriarchal Vicar Metropolitan Mor Filüksinos Yusuf Çetin, Diyarbakır and Mardin Metropolitan Mor Saliba Özmen, Spiritual Leader of the Armenian Catholic Community of Türkiye Archbishop Levon Zekiyan, Spiritual Leader of the Chaldean Catholic Community of Türkiye Monseigneur Sabri Anar and Monseigneur Ramzi Germo, Assyrian Catholic Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Monsignor Orhan Çanlı, Priest Ardak Dusenyan from the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, spiritual and civil delegations accompanying religious leaders, Spain’s Honorary Consul in Istanbul, businessman Zeynel Abidin Erdem were welcomed in the reception hall. Patriarch Sahak II hugged and welcomed all religious leaders.
First of all, the visitors celebrated the Nativity of the Armenian Church and presented gifts to Patriarch Sahak II. After mutual good wishes were offered, refreshments were offered to the guests by the patriarchate officials.
The coincidence of the visits of some delegations created a much more pleasant environment. There were very sincere conversations. Patriarch Sahak II presented pomegranates to the religious leaders and their delegations as they concluded their visit, as is tradition, and a group photo was taken. Patriarch Sahak II saw Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos off by going down to the door of the Patriarchate.
