“WE CONTINUE TO LIVE WITH THE VISION OF 28 MAY
AND REJECT ALL OTHER SOLUTIONS THAT DAMAGE OUR JUST CAUSE”
SAID HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
05/31/2009
On Sunday 31 May 2009, the Armenian Community in Lebanon celebrated at the Catholicosate in Anterlias the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic 28 May 1918, and the victory of the Battle of Sardarabad. This day was also the feast of the name of Catholicos Aram I.
His Holiness Aram I presided over the thanksgiving liturgy; and the memorial ceremony praying for the soldiers who died during the battle of Sardarabad to stop Turkey from conquering the last portion of historical Armenian land and destroying the Armenian Nation. The battle took place 24-26 May 1918, and was part of the Caucasus Campaign of World War I.
At the end of the liturgy the procession headed by His Holiness Aram I went to the Main Hall of the Catholicosate for a ceremony of thanksgiving and praise. Mr. Sarkis Guiragossian, a member of the Faculty of the Seminary spoke of the battle and its meaning for the Armenian Nation today. He spoke of the legacy of the First President of Armenia Aram Manoukian and the meaning that legacy has taken through the Spiritual Guidance of His Holiness Aram I.
At the end of the ceremony, Catholicos Aram I paid tribute to Sardarabad heroes and referred to the difficult struggle of the Armenian people both in the past and the present. He said that the victory of 28 May 1918 was the result of national unity. He urged Armenians everywhere to make unity and consensus the basis of all decisions that will affect the destiny of the nation, and reject any offer that will damage it. Celebrations ended by the community members presenting their good wishes to His Holiness Aram I and receiving his blessings.
NEW DEACONS FOR PRIESTHOOD ARE ORDAINED IN ANTELIAS
05/24/2009
On Sunday 24 May 2009, the eight graduates of the special course for married priests and monks had their first step in their ordination to priesthood at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. The future married priests and the one monk will serve in the dioceses of Aleppo (Syria), Lebanon, Canada, Isphahan (Iran), and the United States of America.
The ordination took place during the liturgy presided by His Holiness Aram I and celebrated by Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of Aleppo (Syria). According to the order of ordination, the Vice Rector of the Seminary introduced the candidates to the community, after which the candidates took a vow to serve the church according to its Tradition and moral and ethical teachings. After they taking their vows, Bishop Shahan gave them the stole “ourarion” signifying the step.
At the end of the liturgy, the deacons met with His Holiness Aram I and received his blessings.
THE ARMENIAN CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA AT THE 18th MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ARMENIA FUND
05/18/2009
On Monday 18 May 2009 the members of the Board of Armenia Fund met at the Government building in Erevan, under the Chairmanship of the President of Armenia His Excellency Serge Sarkissian. The other distinguished members of the Board were His Holiness Karekin II and His Holiness Aram I. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian Prelate of Terhran (Iran) represented His Holiness Aram I at the meeting.
After the official welcome, during the deliberative session, Mrs. Heranoush Hagopian, Minister for Relations with the Diaspora, presented a report on the future activities of the ministry. At the end of the Board meeting, H.E. President Serge Sarkissian informed the participants on their recent dialogue on Turkey-Armenian ‘roadmap’, and implications on Nagorno Karabagh.