On the evening of Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024, the Opening of the Portals ceremony took place at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, presided over by His Holiness Aram I. HE Arch. Shahan Sarkissian conducted the ceremony, symbolizing the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the opening of the door of Salvation.

Archbishop Shahan quoted the Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy,” for his sermon. He stated that with the creation of life, God also bestowed upon humanity His blessings. Creating humanity in His image, God also granted them graces that are part of His image; He gives His mercy to humanity and states that God’s coming to us is the expression of His mercy and love. Therefore, if humanity wants to find mercy from God, they must live this life in God’s image.