His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the General Assembly of the Cilician Brotherhood held on July 4^th and 5^th, 2022, at the Catholicosate of Cilicia, in Antelias.

The Assembly began with a morning service, followed by a requiem service for the repose of the souls of departed Cilician brothers. Subsequently, the Brotherhood convened in the main hall of the Catholicosate, where the sessions commenced with the Lord’s prayer.

At the opening session, H.E. Arch. Shahan Sarkissian gave a briefing on the order of the day. Next, H.E. Arch. Oshagan Choloyan and H.G. Bp. Mesrob Sarkissian were elected as co-chairs and V. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian and V. Rev. Fr. Baruyr Shernezian were elected as c0-secretaries. The resolution’s committee was formed by H.E. Arch. Krikor Chiftjian, V. Rev. Fr. Stepanos Pashayan and V. Rev. Fr. Shnorhk Ashekian.

Thereafter, His Holiness Aram I delivered his pontifical message. Conveying his paternal love and blessings, he highlighted that the goal of the Assembly is to examine, reflect and contemplate matters and challenges faced by the Church, the clergy and the people. 

During the second session, Arch. Shahan read the report of the Board of the Directors, H.E. Arch. Nareg Alemezian read the report on the bylaws. Subsequently, election of the new members of the Board of Directors was held as follows: H. G. Bp. Magar Ashkarian, V. Rev. Fr. Paren Vartanian, V. Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian, V. Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian, and Very Rev. Fr. Zaven Najarian.

During the following seven sessions, four keynote speeches, reports, and discussions dealt with the following topics: 1) “Brotherhood and Mission” (H.E. Arch. Varoujan Hergelian and H.E. Arch. Anoushavan Tanielian); 2) “Re-evaluation of the Mission of the Theological Seminary” (H. G. Bp. Torkom Donoyan and Fr. Barouyr Shernezian); 3) “Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations” (H.E. Arch. Sebouh Sarkissian and V. Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian); 4) “Cooperation with Hierarchial Sees” (H.E. Arch. Shahe Panossian and Arch. Nareg). After each report, the members of the Brotherhood divided into four groups for discussions and suggestions. 

At the conclusion of the two-day General Assembly, His Holiness delivered his closing remarks. He emphasized that spiritual and intellectual formation is the core of a clergy’s life in his calling to serve the needs of the people in modern times. His Holiness blessed the Brotherhood members and wished them success in their service to the Church and the nation.

The General Assembly adjourned with the hymn Apostles of Jesus, the Cilicia anthem and an ode to the pontiff.

It should be noted that 6 members of the brothers were excused absence.