On the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the re-independence of the Armenian Republic, Thanksgiving Prayers for the Republic of Armenia took place at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, on Sunday, September 23rd 2018. His Holiness Aram I presided over the Prayers. Present at the Divine Liturgy were Armenia’s Diaspora Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, the Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon H.E. Samuel Mkrtchyan, as well as representatives from the embassy.

Following the Prayers, His Holiness gave a pontifical speech. He stressed that independence is a God-given right and therefor fighting for maintaining this right is part of the church’s mission. He added that the Armenian Church, along with the Armenian people, has always struggled for the independence of its people. His Holiness concluded his speech by calling upon the Armenians around the world to take an active part in maintaining the independence of Armenia.

The guests then met with His Holiness Aram I. Minister Hayrapetyan expressed his pleasure and honor over being present at the Catholicosate and discussed with His Holiness issues related to the Armenian Republic, the Armenian Diaspora, and the recent development in Armenia. In turn, His Holiness talked about the current situation in the Armenian Diaspora and the challenges it faces.

The guests also had the chance to tour the Catholicosate in Antelias and the Monastery in Bikfaya.