On Wednesday evening, June 7th, 2023, the pontifical procession consisting of clergy, the Homenetmen Toronto band, scouts, and the ARF Canada youth chapter, arrived at St. Mary Church.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I entered the church with the Hrashapar hymn, accompanied by the Prelate of Canada H.E. Arch. Papken Tcharian and the Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the USA H.G. Bp. Torkom Donoyan and Canonical Prayers were conducted.
Ecumenical heads were present at the event, including His Grace Bishop Mina—Bishop of the Diocese of Mississauga, Vancouver and Western Canada of the Coptic Orthodox Church— Archbishop Linda Nicholls— Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada— V. Rev. Fr. Yeghia Kiredjian—Pastor of the Armenian Catholic Community in Canada— Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian—Pastor of the Orthodox Armenian Community in Toronto, and priests and acolytes from the Coptic Orthodox and Anglican churches.
The Prelate of Canada welcomed the Catholicos and invited him for his speech.
The Catholicos warmly greeted the attendees and expressed his immense joy for the opportunity granted by God to be with the Armenian Community in Toronto. In his address, he underlined the imperative of strengthening the unity of the Church in Christ and re-emphasized that the mission of the church is to serve its people. The Catholicos also reestablished the commitment of the Holy See of Cilicia to the service of Armenia, Artsakh, and Armenians everywhere.
The ceremony was concluded in the Armenian Community Center, where the faithful had the opportunity to meet with His Holiness and receive his pontifical blessings.
