His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Clergy Convention held on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, in Washington.
The meeting was attended by Archbishop Anoushavan (Eastern Prelacy), Archbishop Papken (Prelacy of Canada), Bishop Torkom (Western Prelacy), and the clergy. They discussed social and moral issues that impact the Armenian communities and parishes.
In his opening remarks, His Holiness underscored that the purpose of the convention is not to resolve the issues under discussion but rather to seek clarifications and establish collective approaches as guided by the Bible and the teachings of our church fathers, and under current realities—all viewed from a pastoral perspective.
The first part of the convention consisted of two lectures given by professor and author Vigen Guroian and Judge David Erickson. Guroian delved into a range of social and ethical matters in his analysis, while Erickson provided a legal perspective on the same issues.
In his closing remarks, His Holiness underscored the challenges confronting Christianity, including the globalization of faith, its Americanization, and the escalating influence of globalized culture. The Catholicos emphasized that social and ethical concerns must be thoroughly examined within these prevailing dynamics.
Later in the evening, four lectures were given by V. Rev. Fr. Keghart Kosbakian, V. Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Rev. Fr. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian. Their discussions covered the following topics: abortion, artificial insemination, unnatural sexual tendencies, psychological challenges, cremation, and euthanasia.
The assembly was respectively moderated by V. Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian and V. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian.
In closing remarks, His Holiness focused on the following points:
a) Socioethical issues are diverse and manifest differently in different societies. Ongoing discussions on these matters are essential. The church’s approach should be pastoral rather than religious or dogmatic, demonstrating an understanding of unique cases rooted in the teachings of the church. Additionally, it is important to consider technological developments and their connection to theological principles and spiritual values within this broader context.
b) His Holiness directed the three prelates to summarize the convention’s discussions and present the resulting proposals to be discussed at the Religious Council of the Central Executive Council that will be held next month at the Catholicosate in Antelias. Additionally, the clergy were instructed to write articles on the discussed topics, ensuring the effective communication of necessary information and guidance to the faithful.
c) His Holiness addressed several practical matters concerning the clergy mission, stressing the need to revitalize the parish communities within the framework of the reorganization of the diaspora. On this occasion, he expressed his warm appreciation for the preparatory work they did and the active participation they brought to the conference.
