An official banquet was held in honor of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I at the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto on June 10th, 2023.
The event was attended by HE Arch. Papken Tcharian, Prelate of Canada, HG Bp. Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the USA, Mr. Krikor Mahseredjian, co-chair of the Central Council of the Holy See of Cilicia, His Excellency Mr. Gregoire Bostajian, Honorary Consul of Toronto, the Honourable Mr. Aris Babikian, Toronto Member of Provincial Parliament, Mr. Mher Karakashian, chair of the ARF Central Committee, Mrs. Dzovig Terzian, chair of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada Executive Council, clergy members from across Canada, members from the Prelacy Executive Council and St. Mary Church Board of Trustees, and representatives of community organizations from the Greater Toronto Area.
Mr. Krikor Bebejian addressed the opening remarks, and Arch. Papken welcomed His Holiness’ visit to Toronto. Mr. Babikian also took the stage to welcome the Catholicos.
During the evening, His Holiness Aram I bestowed upon Mrs. Osig Mksyartinian, Mrs. Juliette Janbazian, Mr. Armen Kedikian, Mr. Vazken Terzian, and Ms. Juliette Sarkisian the Knight of Cilicia insignia, and to Mrs. Sylvia Payilian, Mrs. Hasmig Babian and Mrs. Alice Chitilian the Mesrob Mashdots insignia.
His Holiness expressed his commendation to the recipients for their service and underlined the imperative of their dedication to the Armenian diaspora. He also expressed his concerns regarding the challenges facing Armenians and exhorted the parishioners to actively participate in keeping the Armenian identity alive.
The evening concluded with the Cilicia anthem.
