An official banquet was organized in honor of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I at Plaza Volare in Montreal, on the evening of June 4, 2023.
In attendance were the Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of the Eastern USA, the Armenian Ambassador to Canada, the Honorary Consul of Armenia in Quebec, the co-Chair of the Central Council of the Catholicosate, the member of the Central Council residing in Canada, the ARF Bureau Chair, the Executive Chair of the Prelacy, as well members of the Religious and Lay Councils of the Prelacy and representatives of sister organizations.
Mrs. Araz Yaghjian addressed the welcoming remarks and expressed her gratitude for His Holiness’ service and dedication to his flock. Heartfelt addresses were also made by the Armenian Ambassador and Prelate of Canada H.E. Arch. Papken Tcharian.
Singer Hasmig Gasparyan and pianist Khachadour Ghazarian presented a musical interlude.
During the evening, His Holiness decorated a number of community members with Holy See of Cilician insignias: “Prince of Cilicia” insignias were bestowed upon Mrs. Chakeh Geondjian and Mr. Manoug Tchoukhadjian; “Knight of Cilicia” was bestowed upon Mr. Jean Meguerditchian, Mr. Viken Sarkissian, Mr. Levon Bengian, Mrs. Hermineh Manougian, and Mr. Hagop Lakhoyan; “St. Mesrob Mashdots” was awarded to Mr. Mher Karakashian, Mr. Toros Babiguian, and Mrs. Dikie Torikian
Subsequently, His Holiness expressed his commendation to the recipients of insignias for their long and continuous years of service. He stressed that the Catholicosate of Cilicia has always been in service of its community and expressed his praise for the sister organization and institutions to be following the same path, and mission to serve. His Holiness also underlined the imperative of unity in Armenia, Artsakh, and the diaspora, especially in light of the current situation in Armenia.
The evening concluded with the “Cilicia” anthem.
