During His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s pontifical visit to the Eastern Prelacy of the USA, the Armenian Prelacy organized ecumenical prayers at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York, acknowledging the influential role of Aram I in the ecumenical movement and wide connections. The ceremony was attended by the prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, and the prelate of the Western Prelacy, His Grace Bishop Torkom Donoyan. Representatives from all churches in New York were also present at the event.

The ceremony, conducted with the physical and online participation of the faithful, made a profound impact, especially as it stood out as a unique event with the participants collectively reciting Nerses the Gracious’s “I confess with faith” prayer in 24 languages.

At the end of the ceremony, Arch. Anoushavan invited His Holiness to deliver his message.

His Holiness discussed the concept and necessity of unity, along with practical ways to manifest this unity. He noted that the Christian faith faces threats in the current world, emphasizing the need to set aside religious issues inherited from the past. He advocated for adopting a collective public stance through ecumenical cooperation in response to movements that pose a threat to the Christian faith.

Following the ceremony, a reception took place in the church hall.