On Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I visited the headquarters of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) in New Jersey. Accompanying him were the Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the USA, HE Arch. Anoushavan Tanielian, the Vicar General of the prelacy, V. Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, the director of the Communication and Information Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, V. Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian, and the director of the Middle East section of the Ecumenical Relations Department, V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian.
At the entrance, His Holiness received a warm welcome from AMAA Executive Director, Mr. Zaven Khanjian, the Board of Trustees, reverend ministers, and staff.
After a short introductory meeting, AMAA extended its hospitality in honor of the Catholicos. During this gathering, Calvin Sagherian and Zaven Khanjian addressed the audience. The latter introduced His Holiness, highlighting his multifaceted and impactful contributions, and emphasizing that the Catholicos has brought a new vitality to the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Armenian Diaspora through his dedicated service. At the conclusion of his speech, Khandjian presented His Holiness with a gift. Additionally, on behalf of the AMAA, he allocated a sum of 100,000 US dollars to the Catholicos for the prosperity of the Armenian Theological Seminary’s mission.
Subsequently, His Holiness addressed the audience, discussing his connections with evangelical churches and emphasizing the collaboration and shared initiatives between the prelacies of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the evangelical churches. He underscored the significance of the church’s mission, stating that it is the very essence of the church. He highlighted that Christ’s intention was not merely to establish a church but to send his disciples into the world with a mission to fulfill. His Holiness also noted that AMAA’s endeavors extend beyond the evangelical church, encompassing various programs and activities aimed at realizing the church’s mission.
The meeting concluded with the “Cilicia” anthem.
