Republican Party of Armenia

 Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan met today with Czech Catholic Church leader, Archbishop of Prague, Cardinal Dominik Duka.

Welcoming the Cardinal, the Prime Minister appreciated the spiritual affinities between the Armenian and Czech peoples, which are based on common faith and shared values. Hovik Abrahamyan thanked Dominik Duka for handing over the Holy Spirit Church in Prague to the Armenian Apostolic Church parish community of St. Gregory the Illuminator, as well as for a warm and caring attitude toward the local Armenian community.

As the Prime Minister noted, it is crucial for the faithful Armenian community of Prague to have a church of their own far away from the homeland, which is important for the preservation of the Armenian identity. The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude for support of the cause of Armenian Genocide recognition and Genocide 100th anniversary-dedicated events held in the Czech Republic.

Thankful for the warm welcome, Cardinal Dominik Duka stressed the importance of developing and strengthening interchurch relations. According to Dominik Duka, spiritual ties are important in interstate relations.

The Cardinal said he was impressed by Armenian spiritual values and culture. The leader of the Czech Catholic Church praised the status of the ongoing political dialogue between the two nations, stressing the importance of economic, humanitarian and other ties.

For pro-Armenian activities and active participation in the Genocide 100th anniversary commemorations, Cardinal Dominik Duka was awarded the Commemorative Medal of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.