On Sunday, November 19th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York, conducted by the Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the USA, HG Bp. Torkom Donoyan. During the service, His Holiness delivered his pontifical speech.
Heartfelt speeches were delivered by the Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the USA, HE Arch. Anoushavan Tanielian, and Bp. Torkom Donoyan, followed by pontifical message from His Holiness.
In his message, His Holiness shed light on the significance of the family and characterized it as an institution created by God. He recalled key affirmations about the family found in the Gospel and the apostles’ epistles. His Holiness then focused on the Armenian family, describing it as a small church, homeland, and school for Armenians. He emphasized the critical need to preserve the sanctity of the family, its identity, and the national image, particularly in the current era where diverse lifestyles threaten the Armenian-Christian family’s characteristics. Concluding his message, His Holiness urged the Armenian family to remain steadfast in upholding its spiritual, moral, and national values.
