Read Bp Vahan’s Statement on the resignation of the Pope

2è2æÜàð ̧àôÂÆôÜ Ð2Úàò ØoÌÆ äðÆ ̧2ÜÆàÚ oô ÆèÈ2Üîo2ÚÆ DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 25 Cheniston Gardens • Kensington • London W8 6TG

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His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Ph.D., Primate and Pontifical Legate

A Message by Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and the President of the “Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches in the United Kingdom and Ireland” on the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

There is no doubt that the announcement by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI today concerning his stepping down at the end of the month as the head of the Roman Catholic Church shocked and surprised many believers worldwide. Ever since his election to the papacy in 2005, the Catholic pontiff had, to use his own words, laboured in the Lord’s vineyard and worked slowly but surely over eight years to strengthen the witness of the Catholic Church as much as enhance ecumenical and inter-faith relations.

This unexpected decision, however, accentuates the humility of this pontiff, demonstrating not only clarity of mind and of purpose but also dignity and courage. The decision becomes even more symbolic as it was made public at the start of the blessed season of Great Lent of our churches.

As we recall with joy the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to England and Scotland in 2010 and celebrate the steady progress in Catholic-Oriental Orthodox relations, we also pray that the loving Providence of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit will inspire the future choices of the Church as it continues to proclaim the Gospel.

+Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian Kensington, London Monday, 11 February 2013

25 Cheniston Gardens • Kensington • London W8 6TG • Telephone: 0208 127 8364 • Fax: 0872 111 5548 E-Mail: information@armenianchurch.co.uk • Website: www.armeniandiocese.org.uk