On Sunday, June 30^th, Pontifical Prayers and blessings on the occasion of the 24^th anniversary of the election and consecration of His Holiness Aram I as Catholicos was conducted during the Divine Liturgy, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, in Antelias, under the auspices of His Holiness. During the thanksgiving prayers priests read Biblical passages and special prayers wishing health to the Catholicos and long-lasting presence of the Catholicosate among the Armenian people.

After the Holy liturgy, a special ceremony was held in the main hall of the Catholicosate, where, among the faithful, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in Lebanon, representatives from the National Central Committee and benefactors were present.

Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian addressed the Catholicos on behalf of the Cilician brotherhood with a message of congratulation.

Consequently, His Holiness Aram I delivered his pontifical speech. He stated that the pontifical thanksgiving should be viewed within the context of life, witness, service and mission of the Seat of the Catholicosate. Talking about the odyssey of the Catholicosate of Cilicia starting from the deportation from his historical seat in Sis and reaching Antelias in an arduous journey, His Holiness underlined that all the Catholicoi have placed the needs and service of the people before anything, reminding that the church is and belongs to the people. He concluded his speech by praying to God to keep the Catholicosate strong.