Souvenir sheet and mini-sheet with four stamps dedicated to visit of Pope Francis to Armenia put into circulation

On 24 June 2016 "Haypost" closed joint stock company puts into circulation a souvenir sheet with one stamp and four postage stamps designed into a mini sheet in a form of a cross, dedicated to the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Armenia.

The official cancellation ceremony of the souvenir sheet and mini-sheet took place at the Presidential Palace of the RA in the presence of high-ranking delegations from Armenia and Vatican, the press-service of Haypost reports.

The souvenir sheet with one stamp depicts Pope Francis against the backgrounds of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, as well as the logo dedicated to the visit of Pope Francis to Armenia and the coat of arms of Pope Francis.

The format of four stamps designed into a form of a cross has been selected by "Haypost Trust Management b.v.", a company that belongs to Mr. Eduardo Eurnekian, an Argentinian Armenian businessman, and has a symbolic meaning for the visit of Pope Francis to the first Christian Nation. The four stamps depict Pope Francis against the backgrounds of a statue to Saint Gregory the Illuminator donated to the Vatican by Armenia, a monument dedicated to the theme "Armenia - the first Christian Nation" in Yerevan, inner parts of the Main Cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Saint Peter`s Basilica in the Vatican.

The souvenir sheet has an inscription "Pope Francis. Armenia. 24-26 June, 2016", as well as "Visit to the first Christian Nation" which is the official motto of this visit.

To note, the Central Bank of Armenia has issued a special memorable medal on the occasion of Pope Francis' visit to Armenia.

To note, the Pontiff has already arrived in Armenia. He has already visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and met with Armenia's President in the Presidential Palace. Serzh Sargsyan and Pope Francis are expected to make a statement for the representatives of the government, public and the Diplomatic Corps.  A private meeting with Catholicos will be held in the Apostolic Palace later on the same day. The Pope will be staying at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin during his visit. On Saturday, 25th of June, the Pope will visit Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. A journey by plane to Gyumri and Holy Mass in Gyumri's Vartanants Square (Homily By the Pope and greeting by Catholicos) are scheduled for the same day. Visits are planned to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of the Seven Wounds, to the Holy Martyrs Armenian Catholic Cathedral in Gyumri.  At 18.00pm on June 25th Pope Francis will travel by plane back to Yerevan and at 19.00pm Ecumenical Encounter and Prayer for Peace will take place in Yerevan's Republic Square. On Sunday, 26th June, a meeting is scheduled with Catholic Bishops of Armenia in the Apostolic Palace at Etchmiadzin.