On Monday, November 13th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by HE Arch. Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the USA, and the co-chair of the Central Executive Council of the Holy See of Cilicia, Stepan Der Bedrossian, visited the headquarters of the ANCA in Washington. The director of the Information and Communication Department of the Catholicosate, V. Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian, the director of the Middle East section of the Ecumenical Relations Department, V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian, and the chair of the diocesan Executive Council, Aram Sarafian, were also in attendance.
Hamparian warmly welcomed His Holiness, emphasizing that Catholicos Aram I not only supports ANCA’s efforts but has also been a significant advocate for the Armenian Cause, both personally and as the Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia. He then provided an overview of their recent work, highlighting the increased challenges and complexities in recent years. He expressed concern about the lack of harmony between the activities of the Armenian embassy and ANCA, underscoring the need for better coordination and planning.
On this occasion, His Holiness expressed high appreciation for the expanding activities of the center. He mentioned that the ongoing efforts by Armenians for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey are now compounded by additional challenges, including matters related to Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, the protection of Artsakh rights, the dynamics of the USA-Turkey-Azerbaijan relations, and various other related issues. His Holiness stressed the importance of strong support from the Armenian community in the US for ANCA’s activities. He addressed the current geopolitical conditions of Armenia and the post-Artsakh tragedy situation and emphasized the need to develop new strategies.
Regarding Artsakh, Aram I called for examining three issues within the scope of international law: the safe preservation of spiritual and cultural monuments, the right of return for Artsakh citizens, and the establishment of a government in exile. His Holiness concluded by reaffirming the Holy See of Cilicia’s full support for the ANCA in its mission to pursue and protect the Armenian Nation.
