The Ambassador of Armenia to Ukraine Vladimir Karapetyan and the Head of the Ukrainian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church – Bishop Markos Hovhannesyan visited the National Reserve Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
There they met with the General Director of the Reserve, Maksym Ostapenko, and the Vicar of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Bishop Avraamiy of Boryspil, reports the press service of the State Reserve.
Distinguished guests viewed the exhibition of ethnic Armenian artist Marina Sarkisyan “Ruthenia. Letters Dressed in Vyshyvankas”, showcased in the Great Lavra bell tower. Accompanied by the leading tour guide Yulia Vizyr, the delegation visited the Dormition Cathedral, the Church of Saints Anthony and Feodosiy of Pechersk, along with the Dining Hall.
“The visit shows the deepening of inter-religious ties between the two countries. Note that Ukrainian and Armenian cultures have a long common history. After all, Armenians first appeared on the territory of modern Ukraine during the times of Kyivan Rus – at the beginning of the XI century. “Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as state religion,” the report reads.
Currently, Ukrainian and Armenian diplomats are actively establishing cooperation at the international level. A special role is given to interaction in the sphere of church relations.
At this time, when Ukraine is going through difficult trials, the direction of cultural and spiritual diplomacy is very important, as it will allow for strengthening relations with other states and tell them about Ukraine’s history, values, and aspirations.
It should be recalled that earlier the MPs transferred the land for use to the National Reserve Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
