On November 13, 2023, as part of his pontifical visit to the Armenian Prelacy of the Eastern United States, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I arrived in Philadelphia and received a warm welcome from the community at the entrance of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. The gathering included parish priests, members of the Church Board of Trustees, women’s auxiliaries, and representatives of Armenian organizations. The pontifical delegation, including the Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the USA, HE Arch. Anoushavan Tanielian, the co-chair of the Central Executive Council of the Holy See of Cilicia, Stepan Der Bedrossian, and the clergy of the Cilician brotherhood, were also present.
Following the service, His Eminence the prelate extended a warm welcome to Catholicos Aram I and expressed confidence that this visit would serve as a catalyst for the spiritual revitalization of the community. Subsequently, he invited the Catholicos to deliver his pontifical address.
In his message, Catholicos Aram I emphasized the significance of living by religious, spiritual, and national values, both in individual and collective lives. He asserted that life loses its identity, meaning, and purpose when devoid of these fundamental values. He stated that religious, spiritual, and national values are intertwined and essential for preserving collective identity.
Following the church ceremony, a reception took place in the church hall, where short speeches were delivered successively by representatives of the Board of Trustees, the state representative, the parish pastor, and the Prelate.
During the reception, His Holiness emphasized that diversity adds richness and should not be a tool for division. He stressed the interconnection between the church and the community, discarding the idea of “us” and “you” in favor of a unified “we” with diverse roles. Drawing parallels to Christ’s identification with the people, His Holiness underscored the commitment of the Holy See of Cilicia to stand with, for, and in service to the people.
The following morning, His Holiness participated in a breakfast meeting with representatives of the Armenian Organizations in Philadelphia. He addressed their questions, emphasizing the critical need for cooperation and unity around the church. Stressing the significance of the “Year of the Diaspora,” His Holiness underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration among different Armenian organizations.
Later in the day, His Holiness and the pontifical delegation visited the Armenian Sisters Academy, where they were warmly welcomed by the school’s principal, Sister Emma, the teacher, the students, and the school community. The students had prepared a small showcase in honor of His Holiness. At the conclusion, His Holiness delivered a speech, emphasizing the importance of reaffirming the mission of Armenian education, particularly in Diaspora conditions.
