Speech of Karegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all armenians

Dear President of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
We have an opportunity to discuss and find the questions on numerous questions of the present time, which are exciting for us and our nations.

The Second Congress is the significant step on the way to united overcoming of problems, which arise at the turn of the millennium.

Highly appreciating the initiative of this Congress, on behalf of priesthood and Devout Congregation of Armenian-Apostle Saint church we greet all participants and give you our patriarchal bless, let the God's grace bless the Congress, and let God be the leader of our hearts and thoughts.

Dear participants of the Congress, Though obstacles, which were imposed on us in the 20^th century, directed against the natural and inalienable rights of religion, had been overpassed, nevertheless, the theme "The freedom of religion and respect to the representatives of other religions" is not accidental, because it is on the agenda of the day being one of the main imperatives of our social life. Freedom, given by God is the road for each of us. Churches and religions, existing on the territory of the former Soviet Union have been struggling for the religious freedom and gained it at the price of numerous losses.

Nowadays, the religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitutions of our countries, protected by different international declarations, contracts and laws.

Experience of the last years shows not only that church has confirmed its natural right to act freely, but despite of martial and unexampled cruelty of atheism of last years it turned to be impossible to extirpate religious feeling of people's hearts. Today we see that wide groups of society, including young people, see themselves in the bosom of the church, being convinced that church is not the place only for prayers and thoughts, but it is the "cradle of the values" and orientation of the moral life of society.

Nevertheless, in spite of the doubtless achievements in the sphere of religious freedom, our societies, having overcome the communist ideology of God's aversion, now face new challenges of the 21^st century. We often become witnesses of the tendency to represent economical and political problems, international conflicts and discord in religion. The influence of the press and television and other mass media is important now, they try to present the problem in religious character, sometimes even being not well-informed in the essence of the conflict. Often we become witnesses of people offended in their religious feelings, and we continue to observe apathetically how sanctuaries are desecrated. The values which have religious and cultural significance are being destroyed roughly, only owing to the reason that they were created by people with untraditional religion.

We consider, that it is necessary to apply to the representatives of religion faiths, workers of culture, literature and art of world heritage, to all, who is able to assist in the work of love and friendship. We want to direct their efforts to the course of tolerance propagation and respect to the values of each other and religious feelings of different religions' representatives.

On the other hand, adherents of secular peace, through criticism of spiritual values and traditions, try to humiliate the role of church and religion in the formation and defending of spiritual and moral values, trying to isolate them from the social life. Liberty of conscience is described as "liberty from conscience". Freedom of worship not to God but to various idols including money, power and so on.

In fact, secular world values turn to be the seamy side. And religion itself becomes an object of free market. Especially in CIS countries, where the current period is signified by the unprecedented distribution of new religious tendencies and destructive totalitarian sects, that are known for their prosaic activity and financial opportunities, which are rather efficient under the present conditions of our countries. The principle of religion, freedom respect and also the problem of the nation originality preservation, with respect to its religious feelings, rights and freedom, the recognition of the right to defend spiritual and cultural heritage of their ancestors, national values system which had been formed for centuries, is very important for us.

The Armenian people, in spite of trials and torments which they experienced within the period of their history, in spite of genocide of 1915, defended their faith and originality. Faith is one of the main components which are the God's preaches: "Love your neighbors. Do not forget to love other countries". Nowadays, being scattered all over the world, sons and daughters of our people adhere to the edification, always respect traditions of religions and together with other people, go along the way of cooperation and creation, because they believe that where is love, there God exists with blessing and peace.

We express our thanks to the organizers of the Congress at the head of the President of Republic of Kazakhstan, we welcome the similar holding of the forum, which also served for the establishing of personal contacts and relations between representatives of religions, strengthening of mutual understanding, respect and cooperation.

Let us raise up the prayer to Gracious God for bringing to this Congress a success and to crown it with glory. God, the Most High, is the custodian and hope of all believers.

Keep the entire world under your shadow and right hand. Grant the strength to representatives of religions in their important mission! Strengthen the spirit of love and fraternity, and lead us all to goodness and peace! Amen!