On Sunday, November 12th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Divine Liturgy and delivered his pontifical address at Sourp Khatch (Holy Cross) Church in Washington, DC. He was assisted by His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian and His Grace Bishop Torkom Donoyan.
During his address, His Holiness extended his pontifical greetings to the Prelate and the parish, centering his homily around Christ’s quote, “I am the life.” He emphasized the significance of leading a Christ-centered life, underscoring that without the presence of Christ in our lives, life loses its meaning. His Holiness stressed the importance of living by Christ’s values and accepting Him as the focal point of our lives, which will provide clear direction and purpose.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the pontifical procession moved to the site where the new church, along with its adjacent structures, will be constructed. His Holiness conducted the blessing of the land ceremony on the site.
Later that evening, His Holiness Aram I presided over a dinner held in his honor. During the event, speeches were delivered by the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Sourp Khatch Church, the parish pastor, and the prelate. His Holiness concluded the evening with his pontifical speech, discussing the chosen theme of his pontifical visit to Washington, “faith, community, nation,” to which he added the term “homeland.”
He elaborated on the meaning and importance of each word in the title, emphasizing the imperative of nation-building and homeland-building, especially during the critical times faced by the homeland. His Holiness reminded the attendees that authorities are temporary, but the homeland is permanent, people are transient, while values are eternal. He urged everyone to adhere to the permanent, eternal, supreme, and universal. Expressing concern over the challenges faced by Artsakh and Armenia, he called for unity to strengthen the sovereignty, independence, and integrity of Armenia. His Holiness concluded by emphasizing the need to join forces to face the current challenges.
