Principal Prayer Offered by H.H. Karekin II at the Ceremony on November 10 in Rome's St. Peter's Basilica, During Which Relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Long Held by Catholic Church, Were Transferred to Holy Etchmiadzin
The English translation reads as follows:
"Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:
"You sent St. Gregory, the great confessor of your holy name, to be the enlightener of the land of Armenia. Having endured unbearable torture, he united himself to your redemptive suffering so that he might unite us to
eternal life in you. He preached the word of Life, and through baptism of
the holy font he led the Armenian people from the darkness of ignorance to
the light of the knowledge of God. And he laid the foundation of the church in Armenia, on the foundation of the holy apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew.
"Now, in faith as we behold these sacred relics of St. Gregory, and as we recall his faith and patience, we beseech you, most merciful Lord.
"Through these relics, grant peace to the whole world, and open the hearts of men and women to hear the life-bearing word of God. Through these relics, grant love and stability and unity to your holy church, saved by
your precious blood. Through these relics, strengthen and fortify the
churches of Christ -- the bishops, the priests, the religious orders, the
deacons, and all the faithful -- so that by committing themselves to you, O
Lord, they may testify in this world to the gospel of the grace of God.
"Through these relics, bestow upon us the grace to endure tribulation in this world as St. Gregory endured great suffering for the glory of your
holy Name. And through these relics, all together, let us glorify you with
the Father and with the All-Holy Spirit, now and always and unto the ages
of ages. Amen."
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