The official inauguration of the new episcopal residence in Bikfaya took place on July 22nd, 2023, with the presence of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and the family of the late benefactor Karnig Yacoubian. The attendees included the Cilician Brotherhood, members from the National Central Committee of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, the architects, and representatives from various community organizations and bodies.
Although the construction was completed in 2019, the official opening ceremony was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the passing of the benefactor Mr. Karnig Yacoubian.
The ceremony commenced with Ms. Anahid Yacoubian, the wife of the late benefactor, having the honor of cutting the ribbon in front of the building. Subsequently, His Holiness led the procession to the “Prapeon Doumanian Hall” of the Seminary, where he delivered his address.
Highlighting the significance of giving to the church, the nation, and the motherland, Aram I reminisced about the generous benevolence of Mr. Kevork Tchatalbashian, Mrs. Anahid Yacoubian’s father, in the construction of the Catholicos’ residence in Antelias, which was completed in 1968. The Catholicos praised the family values of both the Tchatalbashian and Yacoubian families, noting that Mr. and Mrs. Yacoubian had followed in their father’s footsteps by undertaking philanthropic efforts for the renovation and expansion of the Monastery in Bikfaya (2014) and the construction of its episcopal building (2019).
His Holiness concluded his remarks by bestowing his pontifical blessings upon them and presenting Ms. Anahid with copies of the oldest manuscript of the Prayer Book of St. Gregory of Nareg.
