The message reads, in part:
“Starting from its establishment back in 1717, this Diocese has brought together the Armenian churches that existed in Russia to become a powerful spiritual centre for thousands of people and a major factor for the preservation of the distinct Armenian culture and the customs and traditions of the Armenian people.
For the past centuries, the Diocese has played a major humanitarian, educational and charitable role by working to promote the eternal moral values and the ideals of peace, goodness and justice in society.
The Diocese is ever focused on educating the rising generations in this spirit and on promoting fruitful dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church and with the representatives of other traditional religions in Russia.
And lastly, the Diocese is making an invaluable contribution to the strengthening of centuries-old traditions of friendship and neighbourly relations between the people of Russia and Armenia.”