US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Visits Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM — On Sunday, February 16, US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio, paid his first official visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Representing the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem at the welcoming ceremony were Chancellor Rev. Fr. Aghan Kokchian and former Superior of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Rev. Fr. Samuel Aghoian.

“We raised the issue of the Christian presence in Israel and concerns regarding their departure. The Secretary of State noted that many Christians, including Armenians, have already left Syria, Lebanon, and other Middle Eastern countries. He assured that the U.S. would do everything possible to ensure that the Christian presence in Israel remains stable, preventing a repetition of the situation in those countries. The Secretary also expressed gratitude for our service and efforts, promising to keep the issues we raised in focus and to visit again,” stated the Chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate.