Inauguration of the Khoren Ayp Center of the Catholicosate of Cilicia

The Catholicosate of Cilicia has unveiled the Khoren Ayp Center, located in the renovated premises of the former Karageozian and later Souren Khanamirian Armenian school in Leylavan—an Armenian neighborhood in Fanar. This center aims to serve as a hub for youth engagement and various social and academic activities. The official opening ceremony, held on Thursday,…

The Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, Participates in the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development (CCJSD) of the World Council of Churches

The World Council of Churches commissions held their inaugural meetingս in WCC headquarters in Geneva from the 5th to the 8th of March, 2024 to discuss their strategic plan for the current 8-year cycle. On behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia, Arshav Jerjerian, a member of the Armenian Church University Students Association, participated in…

Cilician Brotherhood and Catholicosate Staff Celebrate His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s Birthday

On March 8th, the Cilician Brotherhood and Catholicosate staff gathered for a small celebration honoring the birthday of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. Together, they expressed their well wishes for His Holiness’s longevity, health, and continued blessed service.   During the gathering, His Holiness extended his gratitude and bestowed his paternal blessing upon those present,…

Prof. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian Elected Vice Moderator of World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on International Affairs

During the recent meetings of three World Council of Churches (WCC) commissions in Geneva, Prof. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, representing the Holy See of Cilicia, was elected as vice moderator of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs. At the session, she delivered a lecture titled “Global Governance: Challenges and Emerging Geopolitical Trends.”   Prof.…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I PRESIDES OVER THE REINSTATED MID-LENT SUNRISE SERVICE AT ST. NICHAN CATHEDRAL

The Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon joyfully reinstated the cherished tradition of inviting His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to preside over the Mid-Lent sunrise service (Arevakal) at St. Nichan Cathedral on March 6th, 2024.   Members of the Cilician Brotherhood and the seminarians accompanied His Holiness Aram I, while Armenian high school students and members of…

ZAVARIAN STUDENTS ASSOCIATION OF THE ARMENIAN REVOLUTIONARY FEDERATION PAYS A VISIT TO HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

The Zavarian Students Association (ZSA) of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) marked the beginning of its 120th-anniversary celebrations with a visit to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, seeking his pontifical blessings for their celebratory year, on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024. Vatche Nadjarian, the ZSA representative on the ARF Central Committee, led the delegation.   This…

HE MOR CHRYSOSTOMOS MIKHAEL SHAMOUN, ARCHBISHOP OF MOUNT LEBANON AND TRIPOLI VISITED HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On Friday, March 1st, 2024, the newly elected Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli of the Syriac Orthodox Church, HE Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shamoun, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, seeking pontifical blessing for his new role.   His Holiness Aram I welcomed the guest expressing well wishes for his pastoral endeavors and highlighting the…

THE REGIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE ARMENIAN RELIEF CROSS OF LEBANON VISITED HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

The Regional Committee of the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon (ARCL) and the director of the Araxi Boulghourdjian Socio-Medical Center of the ARCL visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, to receive pontifical blessings for their mission. On this occasion, they briefed His Holiness Aram I on their current and forthcoming…

BEIRUT GOVERNOR AND MAYOR VISIT HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud, and Beirut Mayor Abdallah Darwish, accompanied by Beirut Municipality Council member Aram Malian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Thursday, February 29th, 2024.   Welcoming the visitors, His Holiness commended the Beirut Municipality’s work amid socio-economic challenges. He highlighted the active role of the Armenian community in the Municipality work,…

A DELEGATION FROM THE MADENATARAN IN LEBANON

From February 22nd to 26th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I hosted a delegation from the Mesrob Mashdots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, Armenia, also known as Madenataran, in Antelias. The delegation, led by Director Ara Khzmalyan, included Deputy Director Vahe Torossian and Advisors to Director Kourken Kasbarian and Mihran Minassian.   Throughout the visit, the…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I BESTOWS HIS BLESSINGS UPON THE INITIATIVE OF THE CENTER FOR THE PRESERVATION OF ARTSAKH’S CULTURAL HERITAGE

Pan-Armenian fundraising for the Center for the Preservation of Artsakh’s cultural heritage was initiated on February 20th, 2024 and will continue until March 23rd, 2024. The center was established in response to Azerbaijan’s occupation of Artsakh and the destruction of its centuries-old cultural and spiritual heritage.   In an address on this occasion conveyed by…

SEMAS BOURDJ HAMOUD STUDENTS PRESENTED THEIR NATIONAL COMPETITION TRIUMPH TO HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On February 23rd, 2024 a delegation of SEMAS Bourdj Hamoud students visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to seek his blessings for their first-place victory in the SEMAS Lebanon National Competition.   SEMAS, which stands for Soroban Education Mental Arithmetic System, was initially introduced to Lebanon by the Kendirjian family. Currently, Sevan Kendirjian-Sherbetjian directs and…

THE PERMANENT CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE VISITS HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

The Permanent Christian Conference paid a visit to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024. Their purpose was to seek His Holiness’s insights and opinions on their intention to establish ecumenical cooperation among various Lebanese sects.   During the meeting, the delegation presented the outcomes of their efforts in areas such as…

A PHONE CONVERSATION BETWEEN HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I AND THE FIRST PROSECUTOR OF THE NEW AND PERMANENT INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT, Dr. LUIS MORENO-OCAMPO

On Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, a phone conversation took place between His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and Dr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the first prosecutor of the New and Permanent International Criminal Court.   They emphasized that, in accordance with legal principles and relevant international laws, Azerbaijan’s genocidal policy against the people of Artsakh was a deliberate…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVES JINISHIAN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION DIRECTORS AND THE GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE IN LEBANON, RESPECTIVELY

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I welcomed the directors of the Jinishian Memorial Foundation (JMP) from Lebanon, Syria, and Armenia, led by Eliza Minasyan, the Executive Director/Coordinator. Commending their efforts and acknowledging the achievements and challenges of JMP, His Holiness bestowed his pontifical blessings.   Later that day, Catholicos Aram I received Louis Lahoud, the General…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVED THE RECTOR OF SAINT-JOSEPH UNIVERSITY AND THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HOSPITAL HÔTEL-DIEU DE FRANCE

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Rector of St. Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) R.F. Dr. Salim Daccache and Director General of Hôtel-Dieu De France Nassib Nasr.   In attendance were Chair of the Armenian Sanitorium of Azounieh, Hagop Ladoyan, Chancellor of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, V. Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian and Doctor Hampig…

UPON THE INVITATION OF HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I, A CONFERENCE ADDRESSING AZERBAIJAN’S GENOCIDAL POLICY AGAINST ARMENIANS IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL IN ANTELIAS

Recent online sessions of the Cilicia Analytical Platform, under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, focused on preparations for a conference addressing Azerbaijan’s genocidal policy against Armenians. The conference is set to take place in April, on the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, at the Catholicosate of Cilicia, in Antelias, with the participation…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I ADDRESSES THE YOUTH AT THE THIRD CONFERENCE MARKING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF ACUSA

The concluding conference of the series commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Armenian Church University Students Association (ACUSA) took place on Saturday, February 17th, 2024, under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. High school students and young, engaged members of community organizations assembled in the Cilicia museum hall for the conference titled “Homeland…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVED THE ARF LEBANON CENTRAL COMMITTEE

On Friday, February 16th, 2024, the Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) party in Lebanon visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.   During the meeting, they discussed topics related to Lebanon and the Lebanese Armenian community.   The committee expressed gratitude for His Holiness’ unwavering support in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I BESTOWED THE PRESTIGIOUS ST. MESROB MASHDOTS INSIGNIA UPON SCULPTOR VARTAN AVESSIAN AND GUITARIST MEGERDICH MIKAYELIAN

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I bestowed the prestigious St. Mesrob Mashdots insignia upon sculptor Vartan Avessian and guitarist Megerdich Mikayelian in a special ceremony organized by the Armenian Church University Students Association (ACUSA) on Thursday, February 15th, 2024, at the Hall of the Cilicia Museum.   ACUSA member Gali Avakian delivered the opening remarks, while…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVED MP HAGOP PAKRADOUNI AND ISHKHAN SAGHATELYAN 

On Thursday evening, February 8th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received MP Hagop Pakradouni, the Head of the Armenian Parliamentary Bloc, and Ishkhan Saghatelyan, chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Supreme Council of Armenia.     The discussion centered on Armenian internal affairs, emphasizing the necessity to safeguard the integrity and security of…

THREE YOUNG PRIESTS PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY VISIT OF THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES AT THE VATICAN

At the invitation of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and with the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, V. Rev. Fr. Avedik Der Garabedian, V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian, both serving as assistant of the Armenian Theological Seminary Dean, along with and Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, the pastor at Sourp Sarkis Church in…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVES THE NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR OF GREECE TO LEBANON

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the newly appointed Ambassador of Greece to Lebanon, Despina Koukoulopoulou.   His Holiness briefed the ambassador on the mission and structure of the Holy See of Cilicia, addressing the current situation in Lebanon, focusing on the economic crisis and efforts toward the presidential election.…

A FORMAL BANQUET IN HONOR OF HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I IN DUBAI

A formal banquet in honor of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I was held in Dubai, graced by 400 attendees, including dignitaries like the Ambassador of Armenia in the UAE, Garen Krikorian, and the Consul General of Lebanon in Dubai, Assaf Doumat.   The event featured successive addresses from Christine Yepremian-Tossounian—member of the Diocesan Executive Council—Varoujan…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S LECTURE ON GLOBALIZATION AND THE ARMENIAN YOUTH IN DUBAI

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I delivered a lecture in Dubai on January 30th, 2024, focusing on “The Globalization and the Armenian Youth.” The opening remarks were delivered by Rosaline Tashjian, who highlighted the relevance of the topic in the face of evolving global realities for Armenian youth. In his speech, Catholicos Aram I underlined the…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I PAYS A VISIT TO THE GENERAL CONSULATE OF LEBANON IN DUBAI

On Monday, January 29th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I visited the General Consulate of Lebanon in Dubai, where Consul General Assaf Doumit and the consulate staff warmly welcomed him.   In attendance were the Prelate of the UAE and Qatar, HG Bp. Mesrob Sarkissian, diocesan clergy, Co-chair of the Catholicosate Central Council, Krikor Mahseredjian,…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS WITH THE DIOCESAN BODIES IN ABU DHABI, DUBAI, AND SHARJAH

During his pontifical visit to the dioceses of UAE and Qatar, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I held meetings with various diocesan bodies and institutions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, respectively. These included meetings with chairs and members of the Armenian National Representatives Assembly, the Diocesan Executive Council, the board of trustees of Armenian schools,…

THE 20TH JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

The 20th meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches was held from January 22 to 26, 2024, hosted by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, with a primary focus on Mariology. With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I DELIVERS HIS PONTIFICAL ADDRESS AT ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR CHURCH IN SHARJAH

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Sunday Divine Liturgy on January 28th, 2024, held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Sharjah. The liturgy was celebrated by the Prelate of UAE and Qatar, HG Bp. Mesrob Sarkissian.   Before inviting Catholicos Aram I to address the faithful, the Prelate extended a warm welcome,…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I VISITS THE OHANNESIAN ARMENIAN SCHOOL IN SHARJAH

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, along with his pontifical delegation—comprising the prelate of the UAE and Qatar, HG Bp. Mesrob Sarkissian, HE Arch. Oshagan Tcholoyan, members of the Cilician Brotherhood, and representatives of the Armenian community—visited the Ohannesian Armenian School in Sharjah as part of their pontifical visit to the UAE.   Upon his arrival,…

MINISTER OF TOLERANCE AND COEXISTENCE OF THE UAE ORGANIZES A RECEPTION IN HONOR OF HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

The Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, held a reception in honor of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Friday, Janurary 26th, 2024.   Minister Nahyan warmly greeted His Holiness, expressing appreciation for the visit. The Minister and His Holiness first met in 2016 and…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S VISITS TO THE EMBASSIES OF LEBANON AND ARMENIA IN ABU DHABI

On Wednesday, January 24th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and his pontifical delegation paid consecutive visits to the embassies of Lebanon and Armenia.   H.E. Fouad Chehab Dandan, Ambassador of Lebanon in the UAE, along with the embassy staff, warmly welcomed His Holiness, with Armenian and Lebanese residents in the UAE also in attendance.…

THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS WITH THE VATICAN’S SECRETARY OF STATE

With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on January 22nd, 2024, HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian visited Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican’s Secretary of State,   The discussion primarily focused on the current situation in Lebanon, where Arch. Nareg conveyed His Holiness’ concerns and thoughts regarding the ongoing issues. Additionally, Arch. Nareg briefed Cardinal Parolin…

IN ABU DHABI, HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I ADDRESSES THE GULF CHURCHES FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCE AND VISITS THE SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE

During the first day of his pontifical visit to Abu Dhabi, on Monday, January 22nd, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I addressed the Gulf Churches Fellowship (CGF) conference and visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.   At the venue of the conference, the Catholicos and his delegation were officially welcomed by the chair of the…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I ARRIVED IN ABU DHABI FOR A PONTIFICAL VISIT

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by his pontifical delegation, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, January 21st, 2024, for a ten-day pontifical visit that will also include Dubai and Sharjah. The visit encompasses meetings with high-ranking state officials, diocesan and community bodies, and ecumenical councils.   Upon arrival, His Holiness was officially welcomed by…

THE REPRESENTATIVE OF CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS WITH THE PREFECT OF THE DICASTERY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY

With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, His Eminence Archbishop Nareg Alemezian met with Cardinal Kurt Koch, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, on January 18th, 2024.   The discussions centered around various aspects of the ecumenical movement, including relations between the Vatican and the Holy See of Cilicia, as…

THE CONFERENCE ON ARMENIA, ARTSAKH, AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS CONCLUDES ITS SESSIONS

Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the two-day conference on Armenia, Artsakh, and regional developments concluded its sessions on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, addressing critical issues related to the depopulation of Artsakh. Noteworthy statements emerged from the conference, including the unanimous characterization of the depopulation of Artsakh as genocide by international law…

THE “ANALYSIS AND AWARENESS PLATFORM” COMMENCES ITS TWO-DAY CONFERENCE IN ANTELIAS FOCUSED ON ARMENIA, ARTSAKH, AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the “Analysis and Awareness Platform” (AAP) commenced its two-day conference titled “Armenian World and Recent Regional Events” on Friday, January 19th, 2024. It will extend through Saturday, January 20th.   Following a series of online consultations within the AAP, this conference serves as a pivotal platform…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVES THE AMBASSADORS OF ARMENIA AND QATAR RESPECTIVELY

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon, Vahagn Atabekian, and the Lebanese Ambassador to Qatar, Farah Berri, respectively.   Discussions with Ambassador Atabekian centered around the challenges facing Armenia, Diaspora-Armenia relations, and regional issues.   During the meeting with Ambassador Berri, they reflected on His Holiness’s recent visit to Qatar, highlighting…

CONFERENCE ON ARMENIA AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS: EXPERTS FROM ARMENIA, ARTSAKH, AND THE DIASPORA CONVENE IN ANTELIAS

With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, a two-day conference focusing on Armenia and regional developments will be held at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias on January 19th and 20th. The conference will gather experts from Armenia, Artsakh, the USA, South America, France, and Switzerland.   This conference follows a series of…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S MESSAGE ON THE YEAR OF HUMAN RESOURCES PREPARATION WAS READ IN ANTELIAS DURING THE DIVINE LITURGY

In 2003, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I initiated a tradition of dedicating each year to a significant aspect of our collective lives. This year, the Catholicos has declared it the “Year of Human Resources Preparation.” On Sunday, January 14th, 2024, during the Divine Liturgy presided over by Catholicos Aram I, HE Arch. Shahan Sarkissian read…

A DELEGATION REPRESENTING THE MARONITE PATRIARCH BECHARA RAI VISIT HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On Sunday, January 7th, 2024, His Holiness Aram I received a delegation representing Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai. The delegation included Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Paul Sayah, Head of the Youth Department Father George Yaran, and Patriarchal Protocol Director Walid Ghayyad.   In addition to exchanging Christmas greetings, discussions centered around topics related to the Lebanese presidential…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH CELEBRATES THE FEAST OF NATIVITY AND THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

On Saturday, January 6th, 2024, the Armenian Church observed the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. At St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias of the Holy See of Cilicia, His Holiness Catholicos Aram conducted the Divine Liturgy and delivered the pontifical sermon. Archbishops Nareg Alemezian and Shahan Sarkissian served at…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVES THE NEWLY APPOINTED FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO LEBANON HERVÉ MAGRO

On Thursday, January 4th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the newly appointed French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro.   During the meeting, they discussed the Lebanese presidential election, the war on Gaza by Israel, and France’s broader role in the Middle East, with a specific focus on its involvement in Lebanon.   As…

ASSAULT ON THE ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I closely monitors the concerning situation surrounding the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem through representatives of the World Council of Churches (WCC) based in Geneva and Jerusalem.   According to a message released by the Patriarchate, attached below, approximately 30 unidentified individuals attacked the congregation and the Patriarchate’s office in protest against…

THE NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR OF ARGENTINA TO LEBANON VISITS ANTELIAS

On Thursday, December 28th, 2023, Ambassador Maria Virginia Ruiz Quintar, the recently appointed Argentinian Ambassador to Lebanon, paid an inaugural visit to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.   After His Holiness provided a brief overview of the mission of the Catholicosate, they meeting delved into discussions concerning the prevailing situation in Lebanon, the urgency of…

THE STUDENTS OF ZVARTNOTZ CENTRE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION VISIT HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On December 26th, 2023, the students from the “Zvartnots” Centre for Special Education and Rehabilitation, headed by Ms. Vartineh Ohanian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.   They began their day with a prayer session at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, followed by receiving communion. In the Catholicosate garden, the students shared moments with His…

DEPUTY HEAD OF THE HIGHER ISLAMIC SHIITE COUNCIL SHEIKH ALI AL-KHATIB VISITS HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On Thursday, December 21st, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Deputy Head of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, accompanied by Mufti Sheikh Abdul Amir Shams al-Din, Sheikh Mohammed Hijazi, head of media Mr. Wassef Awada, and member of the Counexecutive council Abdel Salam Shukur.   Present alongside His Holiness at the…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I EXTENDS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF EMIR SHEIKH NAWAF AL-AHMAD AL-JABER AL-SABAH

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a letter of condolences to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on the sad occasion of the passing of Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.   In the letter, His Holiness offers condolences personally and on behalf of the Armenian community in Kuwait. He acknowledges that…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I VISITS THE ARMENIAN ELDERLY HOME ON THE OCCASION OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by Cilician brotherhood priests, visited the Armenian Elderly Home – CAHL on December 19th, 2023. Located in Bourdj Hamoud, the purpose of the visit was to bring Christmas and New Year joy to the elderly residents.   The Catholicos and priests were warmly welcomed by the Home’s director, Pastor…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S CHRISTMAS VISIT TO THE ARMENIAN SANATORIUM OF AZOUNIEH

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I visited the Armenian Sanitorium of Azounieh on the morning of Monday, December 18th, 2023, for a Christmas visit. Accompanied by a delegation from the Cilician brotherhood, the Catholicos intended to observe the Christmas and New Year celebrations, offer his pontifical blessings and stay abreast of the sanitorium’s latest developments.  …

ACUSA VISITS HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

Members of the Armenian Church University Students Association (ACUSA), headed by their spiritual advisor V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Nadjarian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I on the evening of Saturday, December 16th, 2023.   Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Fr. Zaven conveyed appreciation for His Holiness’ unwavering support in their endeavors. He highlighted ACUSA’s dedication to the…

THE EVE OF THE FEAST OF ST. JACOB OF NISIBIS AND CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING IN ANTELIAS

The eve of the feast of St. Jacob of Nisibis (Surp Hagop Medzpina Hayrabed) was solemnly observed at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Friday, December 15th, 2023.   Armenian faithful hold this occasion dear, receiving the saint’s blessing by approaching the relic of St.…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I VISITS HIS BEATITUDE PATRIARCH RAPHAËL BEDROS XXI

On Wednesday afternoon, December 13th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I visited His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI of the Armenian Catholic Church at the Catholic Patriarchate.   Accompanying His Holiness were HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian, HE Arch. Shahan Sarkissian, director of the Cilicia Museum, V. Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian, director of the Information and…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S REPRESENTATIVE HOLDS OFFICIAL MEETINGS IN THE VATICAN

On December 6th and 7th, HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian conducted official meetings in the Vatican with His Holiness Pope Francis, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, and representatives from the Dicasteries for Promoting Christian Unity and the Eastern Churches.   During his meeting with Pope Francis, Arch. Nareg conveyed warm regards from His Holiness Aram I and discussed…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I PRESIDED OVER THE FIFTH ONLINE CONSULTATION MEETING ON ARTSAKH

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the fifth online consultation on December 7th, 2023, uniting experts to delve into pressing matters for the Armenians of Artsakh.   In attendance were Prof. Ashod Melkonian, Prof. Rupen Safrasdian, Dr. Armen Maroukian, Dr. Vahram Palayan, Dr. Vicken Cheterian, Dr. Khatchig Der Ghougasian, Mr. Shahan Kandaharian, and Aharon…

MAYOR AND BOURDJ HAMOUD MUNICIPALITY COUNCIL VISIT HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On December 8th, 2023, the Bourdj Hamoud municipality council, headed by Mayor Mardig Boghossian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.   Mayor Boghossian presented a token symbolizing the Lebanese cedar tree as a gesture of gratitude from the municipality.   During the meeting, Council member George Krikorian gave a speech where he expressed gratitude for…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVED THE PATRIARCH OF THE ARMENIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH HIS BEATITUDE PATRIARCH RAPHAËL BEDROS XXI

On December 7th, 2023, His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI of the Armenian Catholic Church visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.   The discussion encompassed the recent Vatican Synod of Synodality, the international conference commemorating the 850th anniversary of the passing of St. Nerses the Gracious, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians in Armenia, and…

THE HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE COMMEMORATING ST. NERSES THE GRACIOUS

With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian and V. Rev. Fr. Bsag Tepirdjian participated in a two-day international conference held from November 30th to December 1st, 2023, commemorating the 850th anniversary of the passing of St. Nerses the Gracious (Shnorhali). The conference was organized by the Pontifical Oriental Institute…

HIS HOLINESS MEETS WITH THE US SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

During His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s pontifical visit to the Eastern United States, as previously reported, he was honored with an invitation to serve as the Guest Chaplain of the US House of Representatives. His Holiness delivered the opening prayer before the session, a prayer he composed. In this prayer, he highlighted that “more than…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S MEETINGS IN NEW YORK

On Monday, November 20th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I conducted a series of consecutive meetings with representatives from the following organizations at the Armenian Prelacy of the Eastern USA:   The Karagheusian Foundation Committee – they discussed the activities of the Foundation’s chapters in Lebanon and Syria. His Holiness commended Karagheusian’s contributions to the…