HASK – July-August 2013
HASK – July-August 2013 click here https://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/JULY-_-AUGUST-2013.pdf
The Ambassador of Syria to Lebanon visited His Holiness Aram I
On Wednesday 11 September 2013, Ambassador Ali Abdul Karim Ali met with Catholicos Aram I in the presence of Member of Parliament Hagop Pakradouni. The ambassador assured His Holiness Aram I that the government had not used chemical weapons against its own people. In response, the Catholicos told Ambassador Ali that the Syrian conflict had…
His Holiness Aram I pays tribute to the late Levon Ananyan, President of the Armenian Writersâ Association
On 5 September 2013, in a letter addressed to the Presidency of the Armenian Writersâ Association in Yerevan, Catholicos Aram I expressed his deep sorrow for the passing away of their President. He described Levon Ananyan as a literary visionary, a writer of mission who had shaped the direction of Armenian literature from Armenia,…
âWe must strengthen the foundations of Christian-Muslim coexistenceâ, His Holiness Aram I
His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan invited the Heads of Christian Communities in the Middle East to meet in Amman from 3-4Â September 2013 to discuss the challenges they are facing as a result of the conflicts in the region. Â His Holiness Aram I appointed Archbishops Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Armenians in Iran, and…
The Preparatory Committee of the Conference of Armenian Bishops meets in St. Etchmiadzin, Armenia
During 28-29 August 2013, the preparatory committee of the Armenian Bishopsâ Conference met to discuss the agenda of the meeting to be held 24-29 September 2013. Representing the Holy See of Etchmiadzin were Archbishop Khajak Barsamian and Bishop Michael Achabahian; representing the Holy See of Cilicia were Archbishops Oshagan Choloyan and Nareg Alemezian. …
The Board of Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF) and the President of Haigazian University visit His Holiness Aram I
28 August 2013. Yesterday, His Holiness Aram I received two visits. The newly elected members of the AEF Board, led by its President Aram Malian met with Catholicos Aram I at St. Maryâs Monastery in Bikfaya. After listening to the Boardâs plan of action, the Catholicos thanked them for their new initiatives,  which respond to…
His Holiness Aram I meets with Maronite Cardinal Patriarch Bechara al-Rai
On Friday 23 August 2013, His Holiness Aram I met with His Beatitude Patriarch Bechara al-Rai in Bkerkeh at the patriarchal headquarters. The meeting was held in the presence of former Patriarch Sfeir, the two assistant bishops of Patriarch al-Rai and Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, who accompanied the Catholicos. The focus of their discussion was…
Representatives of the Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri visit His Holiness Aram I
The representatives met His Holiness Aram I at the Monastery in Bikfaya. Mr. Jean Salmanian, the representative of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia on the National Christian-Muslim Dialogue Committee, also attended the meeting. The purpose of the visit was to invite His Holiness Aram I to the forthcoming annual commemorative gathering dedicated to Imam…
His Holiness Aram I received the representatives of the Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF)
The President of the ARF (Tashnak) party, Hagop Khatcherian, and his delegation met with His Holiness Aram I at the Monastery in Bikfaya. Hagop Pakradouni, member of the Lebanese Parliament also attended the meeting. The delegation briefed the Catholicos on the meetings they had held with the President of Lebanon, the Prime Minister and…
Crown Prince Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al-Thaniâs response to His Holiness Aram I
His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Antelias Sincere Greetings, We received your kind letter congratulating me on my election as Crown Prince of Qatar. Please accept my deep respect and sincere appreciation. I wish you health and success in your leadership. Tamin bin Hamad Al-Thani Prince of…
Week of lectures dedicated to Mary the Theotokos, organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia
From the 13th to the16th of August, around two hundred women gathered at the Convent in Bikfaya to participate in this yearâs lecture series dedicated to Mary the Theotokos. The event precedes the celebration of the Feast of Mary, which runs from the 16th to the 18th of August. On the last day…
âIssues and Perspectivesâ â A new book by His Holiness Aram I
ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES Aram I Â In the Introduction of his recent book, His Holiness Aram I states that “two salient features of modern societies occupy a central place in this book.” These are: “First, religion has become pivotal in the daily life of societies. It is, in one way or another and on a…
Live television broadcast via satellite – August 17th, 2013
On the occasion of the feast of St. Maryâs Assumption, the Noursat Broadcast will be broadcasting LIVE via satellite the Holy Mass presided over by His Holiness Aram I. Place:  St. Mary Monastery, Bikfaya, Lebanon Time corresponding UTC (GMT): Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 5:00 pm                        To watch live via internet click…
His Holiness Aram I receives the former President of Lebanon H.E. Amin Gemayel
On Monday 12 August 2013, former Lebanese President and current leader of the Lebanese Phalangist Party, Amin Gemayel, met with His Holiness Arm I at his summer residence in Bikfaya. During the one-hour meeting they talked about the situation in the Middle East and Lebanon and discussed the situation in Syria and the problems…
The Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Nourhan Manoukian, visits His Holiness Aram I
On Thursday 8 August 2013, His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan met with His Holiness Aram I while on a private visit to Lebanon. They discussed issues and concerns related to the Armenian Church, Armenia and the Diaspora. The visit ended with a private lunch between His Holiness Aram I and His Beatitude Nourhan.
Missak Azadian is chosen as âStar Child Singerâ at Der Melkonian theater
On Friday evening, 2 August 2013, a large number of clergy, artists and parents of the Sunday School students gathered at the Der Melkonian Theater in Bourj Hammoud to participate in the selection of the âStar Child Singer.â This was the third annual Children Song Contest, an event instituted when His Holiness Aram I declared…
Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia Seminary responds to the needs of the Diaspora
In order to remain a major pillar in safeguarding the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage, the seminary regularly adapts its curricula to respond to the needs of the Diaspora. In 2013, several seminarians became acolytes, sub-deacons, deacons, priests and a married priest. Because of the situation in Syria and the region, many seminarians could…
Catholicosate of Cilicia History and Memories Series vol.2
New Publication History of Taron and Its Regions  His Holiness Aram I continues to supervise the publication of the new series of history books that bear witness to the 20th Century atrocities committed against Armenians in the towns and villages of Armenia and Cilicia. Following the publication of the volume on Adana, the…
His Holiness Aram I inspects the construction progress of the Genocide Memorial Museum at the Birdâs Nest
25 July 2013. Accompanied by five members of the construction projects committee, His Holiness Aram I inspected the site with architects Raffi and Viken Tarkhanian and discussed the progress of the project. The new museum in the old historical building of Birdâs Nest will be completed by 2015 and will tell the story of the…
HASK Online – June 2013
Click here: June 2013
His Holiness Aram I commends the care given to the residents of the Armenian Home for the Elderly in Beirut
On Monday 22 July 2013, the director of the Home for the Elderly, Rev. Sebouh Terzian, met with His Holiness Aram I and briefed him on their work and the future plans to serve the Armenian community better. The Home is a joint project of the Armenian Orthodox and Evangelical communities, supervised by a Board…
Late Archbishop Ardavazt Terterianâs body is laid to rest
On Saturday 20 July 2013, His Holiness Aram I performed the final burial rites for the late Archbishop by anointing and blessing him with the relic of St. Gregory the Illuminator. The funeral service began with the Holy Liturgy at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, celebrated by Bishop Norayr Ashekian. A…
O B I T U A R Y
O B I T U A R Y Â THE PASSING OF ARCHBISHOP ARDAVAZT TRTRIAN His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia, members of the Brotherhood of Cilicia, announce with deepest sadness the passing of His Eminence Archbishop Ardavazt Trtrian, on Thursday, July 18, 2013. The Extreme Unction will take place during the…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia Renovates the Martyrs Memorials
100th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide The Catholicosate of Cilicia Renovates the Martyrs Memorials  18 July 2013. During a meeting, held in Beirut under the Presidency of His Holiness Aram I, the Assembly decided to renovate old monuments of the Catholicosate dedicated to the martyrs and erect new ones to commemorate the…
The Ambassador of Armenia in Lebanon meets with His Holiness Aram I
11 July 2013. The Ambassador of Armenia met with His Holiness Aram I at his summer residence in Bikfaya. Ashod Kotcharian and His Holiness discussed Armenia-Diaspora relation and the situation in the region. The Ambassador then informed the Catholicos of the decision of the Middle East Airlines to create direct service to Yerevan twice a…
The newly elected committees of the Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia will soon begin their work
Under the presidency of His Holiness Aram I, the two committees elected by the Assembly–the Council of Religion and the Council of Laity–will now begin to implement the priorities of the Assembly. The 13 members of each council will represent the Dioceses for the next four years. The Council of Religion will work on…
His Holiness Aram I receives Sarkis Yoghourtian Assistant Director of the US Federal Reserve Board
3 July 2013. On Tuesday morning, Mr Sarkis Yoghourtjian, an official of the US Federal Reserve Board, met with His Holiness Aram I in Bikfaya. Their conversation focused mainly on Armenia-Diaspora relations and the contribution of Mr Yoghourtjian, as an assistant director of the Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation, to the reorganization of the…
His Holiness Aram I congratulates the new Emir of Qatar His Excellency Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani
28 June 2013. His Holiness Aram I has congratulated H.E. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on his accession to the throne of Qatar. In his letter, the Catholicos expressed the hope that the Emir would continue his father H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thaniâs agenda of reform and development. Catholicos Aram I…
The Committee on Rites of the Armenian Church meets in Antelias
26 June 2013. The Committee nominated by Holinesses Karekin II and Aram I began its two-day meeting at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. The Committee is reviewing current ritual ceremonies of the Armenian Church and will propose changes to the Episcopal Conference to be held in Etchmiadzin in autumn. The representatives from the Holy…
The ordination of three new priests in Antelias
The ordination rites for the three new priests began Saturday evening when deacons Sepastia Tarkhanian, Hampartsoum Balekjian and Antranig Dalkourgian took the oath according to the canons of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, in the presence of His Holiness Aram I, the members of the Brotherhood and the faithful gathered in the Cathedral. On Sunday…
Representatives of the International Arab-Armenian Lawyers Association visit Antelias
Recently, a delegation of the Association headed by its General Secretary Sameh Ashouri, also Chairman of the Egyptian Lawyers Syndicate, and Samah Kreisi, Vice Chairman of the Jordanian Lawyers Syndicate, as well as lawyers from Morocco, Syria and Lebanon, accompanied by Member of Parliament Hagop Pakradouni met with His Holiness Aram I. The delegation and…
Celebrating the end of the Womenâs Bible Study Course in Antelias
18 June 2013. More than 200 women who had gathered in St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral received their certificates for the 2012-2013 course. At the end of the presentations, His Holiness Aram I told the women that as 2013 is the Year of the Armenian Mother, their participation in the course carried a special message:…
General Assembly declaration on the commemoration of the 100-Ann. of the Armenian Genocide
General Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia (12-15 June 2013) Restoration of our Just Rights should be the axis of 100th Anniversary Commemorations of the Armenian Genocide The 100 delegates, comprising clergy and laity from the Dioceses of the Catholicosate and special guests, concluded their work under the leadership of His Holiness Aram I.…
Distribution of the awards to the winners of the competition organized by the âKhatchig Babikian Fundâ of the Catholicosate
âThrough your performance you assured us that you would safeguard western Armenian language and cultural heritageâ, said His Holiness Aram I Â On Sunday 16 June 2013, the faithful of the Catholicosate celebrated the 18th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Aram I and the distribution of awards to the winners of the Fourth…
His Holiness Aram I decorates Mr. and Mrs. Hrair Soghomonian
June 14 2013. During the closing dinner of the General Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia at Le Royal Hotel, Catholicos Aram I decorated Hrair Soghomonian with the insignia of âPrince of Cilicia.â In his speech, the Catholicos said, âToday, I want to acknowledge 30 years of your service as a couple to our Church…
Thanksgiving Prayer to celebrate the 18th Anniversary of the Consecration of Catholicos Aram I
On Sunday, 16 June 2013, during the Holy Liturgy, a special thanksgiving prayer service was held to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the consecration of His Holiness Aram I as Catholicos of Cilicia. After the Biblical readings, Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, the celebrant of the day, described Catholicos Aram I as the shepherd…
His Holiness Aram I heads delegation to the Presidential Palace
On Saturday morning, 15 June 2013, His Holiness Aram I, accompanied by the Diocesan Bishops of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and 30 persons representing the General Assembly, met with H.E. Michel Sleiman, President of Lebanon. Catholicos Aram I first thanked the President for putting the case of Lebanon on the international agenda and for…
Day Two evening celebrations
âThe Strength of Antelias lies in its power to Serveâ On Thursday evening, the participants of the Assembly went to Bikfaya to attend a concert by the âShenorhali,â Choir conducted by Rev. Torkom Donayan, dedicated to the â2013, Year of the Armenian Mother.â After a short break, the graduation ceremony of the Seminary began.…
Day Two- The General Assembly discusses the report of the Council of Laity of the Central Committee
Sessions on the second day began with the Lordâs Prayer and the blessings of His Holiness Aram I. The delegates received the report and recommendations of the Executive Council. The delegates thanked the Catholicos for his guidance concerning their programmes and projects, which have been quite successful despite limited human and financial resources. The work…
The General Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia opens in Antelias
âThe Catholicosate of Cilicia remains true to its vocation of upholding spiritual, moral and national values, building a common Armenian belonging, and demanding justice and restitution of our rights stemming from the Genocide,â Said Aram I On Wednesday 12 June 2013, the General Assembly began its deliberations under the presidency of His Holiness Aram…
The General Assembly of the Catholicossate of Cilicia meets in Antelias
On Wednesday, 12 June 2013, His Holiness Aram I officially opened the Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. One hundred delegates and official guests representing the dioceses in the diaspora will take part. During the three-day meeting, the representatives will receive the reports of the Executive Council and the Religious and Laity Councils. The…
His Holiness Aram I is briefed on the progress of construction of St. Martyrâs Church in Abu Dhabi
The construction of St. Martyrâs Church began a year ago during the pastoral visit of His Holiness Aram I to the United Arab Emirates when he blessed the cornerstone. The Church will serve Armenians living in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharja. According to the Architect, Souren Kochakian, construction will be completed in January 2014.…
Varoujan Voskanian the Minister of Economy and Trade of Romania visits His Holiness Aram I
On Monday 3 June 2013, Minister Varoujan Voskanian, who was on an official visit to Lebanon, met with His Holiness Aram I. They were joined by the Armenian Ministers and Parliamentarians of Lebanon. This was the Ministerâs second visit to the Catholicosate; five years ago, during an official visit, he was decorated for his achievements…
A delegation from the Catholicosate of Cilicia at the enthronement of the new Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem
On Tuesday June 4 2013, the enthronement of Archbishop Nourhan Sarkissian will be held at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Archbishops Varoujan Herkelian, the Catholicosal Vicar of the Diocese of Cyprus, and Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, will represent His Holiness Aram I and transmit his Pontifical letter.
Seminarians receive the ministries of acolyte and sub-deacon in St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias
On Sunday 2 June 2013, during the Holy Liturgy, Bishop Norayr Ashekian ordained among the students of the seminary six Subdeacons and eleven Acolytes. After the ordination he explained the significance of these two ministries within the diaconate of the Church. Â At the end of the Holy Liturgy, the new Acolytes and Subdeacons,…
The General Director of Howard Karageuzian Foundation visits His Holiness Aram I
On Saturday 1 June 2013, Dr. Walter Bandazian, from the Headquarters of the Foundation in New York accompanied by Mr. Serop Ohanian, Director of the Lebanon Centre visited His Holiness Aram I. Dr. Bandazian was on his annual visit to the three Karageuzian Centres, Lebanon, Syria and Armenia. The two gentlemen briefed the Catholicos on…
The representative of His Holiness Aram I attends the meetings of the Armenia Fund and the Committee for the 100 Years Commemoration of the Genocide
On Thursday 30 May 2013, the President of Armenia, Serge Sarkissian, chaired the annual meeting of the Armenia Fund and the Committee for the 100 Years Commemoration of the Genocide. Â Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, represented His Holiness Aram I at the two meetings.
The Christian Education Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia releases a new CD of Armenian spiritual hymns, songs and melodies
On 29 May 2013, the director of the Christian Education Department and conductor of Shenorhali Choir, Rev. Torkom Donoyan, and two members of the Choir presented to His Holiness Aram I the first copy of the CD. The CD includes hymns, melodies and songs from the Armenian liturgy and ancient music performed by the choir,…
The Ambassador of Armenia at the Catholicosate of Cilicia
On 29 May 2013, Ambassador Ashod Kocharian met with His Holiness Aram I. They discussed Armenia-Diaspora relations and the situation in Lebanon.
His Holiness Aram I addresses at the 95th Anniversary celebration of Homenetmen
On Sunday, 26 May, Catholicos Aram I attended the public celebration of 28 May and the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Athletics and Scouts organization. In his public address, His Holiness shared three concerns. He first congratulated HOMENETMEN for living up to their motto, âElevate yourself and elevate the othersâ by teaching youth…
Celebrations of 28 May in Antelias
âOUR PEOPLEâS FAITH, DETERMINATION AND VISION ARE CONSTANTLY RENEWED BY REMEMBERING 28 MAYâ SAID HIS HOLINESS ARAM I On Sunday, 26 May 2013, celebrations to mark 28 May, Armenian Independent Day, began in the morning with the Holy Liturgy celebrated by Rev. Hovhannes Saghdejian. His Holiness Aram I then presided over the Memorial…
His Holiness Aram I receives representative of churches from different regions
On Saturday, 25 May 2013, 40 persons representing churches in Denmark, Gemany, India, Indonesia, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the U.S.A met with His Holiness Aram I. The Protestant President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), representatives of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary accompanied the delegation. Â Catholicos Aram I…
Metropolitan Anba Bishoy of the Coptic Orthodox church visits His Holiness Aram I
On Saturday 25 May, Metropolitan Anba Bishoy, the Ecumenical Officer of the Coptic Orthodox Church, met with His Holiness Aram I. After presenting the brotherly greetings of Pope Tawadros II, the Metropolitan briefed the Catholicos on the difficult situation of the Coptic Orthodox community in Egypt. In their discussion, the Catholicosate stressed the importance of…
The Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran church of Jordan and the Holy Land meets with His Holiness Aram I
On Friday, 24 May 2013, Rt. Rev. Dr. Munib Younan met with His Holiness Aram I. The Bishop, who is also a President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), representing the Evangelical family of Churches, first spoke of the political situation in the Holy Land and the plight of Christians there. The two…
His Holiness Aram i receives the Chaldean Patriarch
On Friday 24 May 2013, the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako and Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, met with His Holiness Aram I in Antelias. They were accompanied by Archbishop Avak Assadourian, Armenian Prelate of Iraq and by the Locum Tenens of the Syriac Orthodox…
“Irrespective of difficulties, Christians will stay in the Middle East” said His Holiness Aram I
On Thursday 23 May 2013, the International Conference on âChristian Presence and Witness in the Middle Eastâ opened in Beirut. The conference was organized by the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches. Around two hundred persons from Europe, North America and Africa were invited. Rev. Masis Choboyan read the…
Ordination of deacons at the Holy See of Cilicia on Pentecost Day
On Sunday 19Â May 2013, on Pentecost Day, during the Holy Liturgy, six sub deacons, from the graduating class of the seminary, were elevated to the rank of deacon. The sub deacons came to the altar on their knees to receive the rank. Â After the liturgy, the new deacons, led by Archbishop Gorun Babyan…
His Holiness Aram I receives the Executive committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar)
On Saturday morning a delegation representing the Executive Committee of the Party, Mr. Mike Kharabian (Chair person) and Mr. Haroutiun Yerganian (a member) met with His Holiness Aram I in his office. Â They discussed plans for the 100th anniversary commemoration of the Genocide, Armenia-Diaspora relations and cooperation between the Armenian political parties. Catholicos…
“We should respect the central role of the Armenian mother in the family” said His Holiness Aram I
As part of the celebrative events of 2013, Year of the Armenian Mother, around 200 women met with His Holiness Aram I. After his warm welcome, the Catholicos said, âCelebrating the year of the Armenian Mother should become integral to our daily lives. The Armenian mother is the foundation of our nation and, hence, should…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia is a founding member of the Council of Churches of the Gulf Countries
On Saturday 15 May 2013, representatives of churches and communities from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, Sharja, Kuwait and Bahrain met in Abu Dhabi. Rev. Mesrob Sarkissian, the Pontifical Delegate for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, represented the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Â On the eve of the meeting, the new General Secretary of the…
The project “New Cilicia” village of the Catholicosate of Cilicia inaugurated in Artzakh (Karabagh)
On 11 May a delegation representing the Catholicosate of Cilicia left for Artzakh to inaugurate the “New Cilicia” village, a recently renovated intermediary school and 32 houses for young families and widows of the war. The repopulation of the village is a joint project between the government of Artzakh and the Catholicosate of Cilicia. …
The Ambassador of Romania visits His Holiness Aram I
On Tuesday, 14 May 2013, the Ambassador of Romania visited His Holiness Aram I. They discussed the situation in the region, the formation of a new government and the proposed change in Lebanonâs electoral law. Â They then talked about the historical relationship between the Orthodox Church in Romania and the Armenian Orthodox Church.…
“We should prepare our youth for the future through our moral and national values” said His Holiness Aram I
On Saturday 11 May in the evening, His Holiness Aram I received 200 young members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation movement. Â After welcoming the youth and the movement leaders, Catholicos Aram I urged them to incorporate their cultural and spiritual heritage as they carry out their important role of shaping the future of…
The Executive Committee of the Assembly of Christian Communities in the Middle East meets with His Holiness Aram I
On Friday 10 May 2013, the Executive Committee met, headed by Maronite Bishop Samir Mazloum. The Assembly was created six years ago with the aim of coordinating the activities and the human and material resources of Christian communities in the region in order to contribute effectively to their societies. The Holy See of Cilicia is…
The Armenian Orthodox Church classification of Saints Committee for the Armenian Genocide Victims meets
The Committee, jointly appointed by His Holiness Karekin II, Holy See of Etchmiadzin, and His Holiness Aram I, Holy See of Cilicia, met for the fifth time in Holy Etchmiadzin 7-8 May 2013. Â The two Co-Chairs, Archbishop Yeznik Bedrossian (Holy See of Etchmiadzin) and Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian (Holy See of Cilicia) presided over…
The General Secretary of the Missle East Council of Churches (MECC) meets with His Holiness Aram I
On Friday, 3 May, Dr. Michel Jalkh met with His Holiness Aram I in in Antelias. Dr. Jalkh was recently elected as the General Secretary of the MECC by the Executive Committee at its meeting in Antelias, following the resignation of Rev. Paul Rohanna. The General Secretary wanted to discuss the situation in the region…
His Holiness Aram I continues to monitor the fate of the two kidnapped metropolitans in Aleppo
Upon receiving the news of the kidnapping of the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Paul Yazig,i and the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan, Yohanna Ibrahim, His Holiness Aram I contacted the two patriarchates. Since then he has been monitoring the fate of the two Metropolitans through his regular consultations with the patriarchates and the Armenian Prelacy in…
Joint Statement
His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians, Holy See of Etchmiadzin His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia, Holy See of Cilicia We demand that Turkey return our confiscated Churches and Church Properties  In 2015, Armenians living in the Republics of Armenia and Karabagh and in the diaspora will commemorate the…
“We demand that Turkey return our churches and all other confiscated properties” His Holiness Aram I
On Wednesday 24 April 2013, after the Holy Liturgy and the Memorial Service in front of the Martyrâs Chapel, His Holiness Aram I addressed the thousands of people who had come to honour their martyrs. Â The Catholicos said, âThe memory of our one-and-a-half million martyrs of the 1915 Genocide, organized and implemented by Ottoman…
“We deeply appreciate the solidarity of swiss people for their solidarity during the Armenian Genocide”
On Sunday 22 April 2013, His Holiness Aram I organzed a special reception in honor of the President of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Switzerland Dr. Gottfried Locher at the Main Hall of the Catholicosate. Catholicos Aram I had invited Dr. Locher and Rev. Serge Fornerod the Chief Officer for Ecumenical and International relations…
The board of Armenofas meets in Antelias
Upon the invitation of His Holiness Aram I the Board of the Swiss Armenian Foundation met at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. The Fund was established by the Swiss Friends of the Armenians during the Genocide to assist the survivors. After several years the Foundation was reorganized and its ownership was transferred to…
Pope Francis writes to Catholicos Aram I
Following his enthronization, Pope Francis wrote to His Holiness Aram I and thanked him for the delegation he sent at his enthronement ceremony. Here is the text of the letter of His Holiness. To His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia of the Armenians  In these days following the solemn inauguration of my…
The publishing houses of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and Vahe Setian of Hamazkain at the London book fair
During the recent Book Fair held at Earl Court in London from 15 to 17 April 2013, the two Publishing Houses exhibited their publications in Armenian and other languages on Church History, history of the Armenians and other documents related to the Armenian Genocide. Mr. Khatchik Dedeyan the Chancillor of the Catholicosate of Cilicia was…
The Catholicostae of Cilicia co-organizes an international conference on Monasticism in the Armenian Church
The University in Salzburg in cooperation with the Holy See of Etchmiadzin and the Holy See of Cilicia organized an international conference on âMonasticism in the Armenian Churchesâ from 14-17 April 2013. The conference began with a Benedictine vespers at the St. Peterâs Cathedral. On Monday 15 April, Archbishop Nareg Alemezian the Ecumenical Officer…
His Holiness Aram I receives the representatives of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I
On Tuesday 16 April 2013, His Eminence Metropolitan George Saliba and representatives of the Syriac Orthodox community met with His Holiness Aram I. After transmitting the brotherly greetings of the Patriarch, the Metropolitan introduced the representatives from Lebanon and the Netherlands, and said that the purpose of the visit was to discuss cooperation between the…
A special event commemorating late Catholicos Zareh I and Khoren I
âTHE TWO CATHOLICOI SERVED THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA WITH LOYALTY AND SELFLESS DEVOTIONâ SAID HIS HOLINESS ARAM I 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Zareh I and the 30th anniversary of Khoren I. A special event organized by His Holiness Aram I was held on Friday 12 February at the âCiliciaâ…
The Executive Committee of the MECC meets in Antelias
As a President of the MECC, His Holiness Aram I presided over and hosted the meeting. The meeting began with a business session, during which the church representatives discussed administrative and financial issues, the situation of Christians in Syria and Egypt, humanitarian assistance to refugees and the urgency for Christian-Muslim dialogue. Â During the…
Representatives of the Catholicosate of Cilicia assist the inaugural ceremony of the President of Armenia
Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of the Armenian Diocese of Tehran, and Rev. Papken Charian, Prelate of the Armenian Diocese of Isphahan, attended the ceremony on behalf of His Holiness Aram I.
The fourth school talent competition of the Khatchik Babikian Foundation held at Cilicia museum in Antelias
Upon the encouragement of His Holiness Aram I, the Armenian Studies Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia organized the fourth annual schools competition from 2 March to 7 April in Antelias. Once more, 115 students from 14 Tertiary and 10 Secondary Armenian Schools in Lebanon participated. The competition covered the following disciplines: Armenian language and…
Consultation organized by the Lebanon Committee of the 100th Ann. Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Antelias
âOUR UNITED POSITION AND OUR DEMNAD FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE THE FOCUS OF THE 100th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIONS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDEâ SAID HIS HOLINESS ARAM I On 6 April 2013, His Holiness Aram I opened the consultation organized by the Lebanon Committee of the 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, held at the…
Representatives of the Global Christian Forum meet with His Holiness Aram I
The former General Secretary of the EGCF, Huibert Van Beek, and his successor, Larry Miller, visited His Holiness Aram I as part of their wider visit to the churches in the region. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian the Ecumenical Officer accompanied the guests. Â During the meeting, the secretaries discussed the role of EGCF in the…
“The Resurrection of Christ is the victory of justice”, said His Holiness Aram I on Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday, His Holiness Aram I celebrated the Holy Liturgy. The victory of justice through the Resurrection of Christ was the focus of his message. âGod created the world where justice and peace should prevailâ; âhowever,â he continued, âinjustice and oppression dominated Godâs creation. The Son of God came to the world to re-establish…
Maundy Thursday at the Holy See of Cilicia
âLET THE MESSAGE OF THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST BECOME THE AXIS OF OUR LIVESâ SAID CATHOLICOS ARAM I On Maundy Thursday a large number of Armenians assisted the morning service, the service of Repentance, and the Holy Liturgy that followed at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, over which His Holiness Aram…
Commemoration of the Parable of the Ten Maidens in Antelias
During the evening service in Antelias on Great and Holy Tuesday, the Armenian Orthodox Church commemorated the parable of the Ten Maidens. After prayers and hymns on the theme, reminding the faithful to be prepared for the Day of Judgment, the priest read the parable (Matthew 25:14-30). As is the tradition, during the Gospel reading,…
Palm Sunday in Antelias
On 24 March, Palm Sunday, the cathedral and the courtyard in Antelias were packed with children and their parents who had come to celebrate the triumphant entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem. Palm Sunday is also the âDay of the Armenian Child,â which was instituted by His Holiness Aram I soon after his consecration as Catholicos…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia represented at the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian represented the Catholicosate at the enthronement of Justin Welby as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. Archbishop Moushegh later met with the Archbishop and conveyed the greetings of His Holiness Aram I. Earlier, in a letter, Catholicos Aram I expressed his good wishes to Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and stated his…
Delegates of the Catholicosate of Cilicia present at the enthronement of Pope Francis I
On Tuesday 19 March 2013, the delegates representing His Holiness Aram I attended the enthronement of Pope Francis I at St. Peterâs Cathedral. The delegation consisted of Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Diocese of the USA, Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer, and benefactors Alecco and Annie Bezikian. On Wednesday, the delegates met with…
The sisxth Sunday of Lent and the feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator, pilgrimage to Antelias
The feast of the entrance of St. Gregory the Illuminator into the dungeon is a period of pilgrimage and prayers at the Cathedral named after the Saint in Antelias. The feast also coincides with the Sixth Sunday of Lent, when the church remembers the first and second comings of Christ. The pilgrimage, which…
His Holiness Aram I sends a letter of blessing Professor emeritus Richard Hovhannessian
On the occasion of a special event organized by the friends of the University of California, Los Angeles Armenian Studies Department, His Holiness Aram I sent a letter recognizing the contribution of Professor Richard Hovhannessian to Armenian Genocide Studies. The letter was given to Professor Hovhannessian by Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian during a ceremony at…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I greets the election of His Holiness Pope Francis I
In a letter addressed to His Holiness Pope Francis I, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I congratulated the election of the Pope “with profound spiritual joy and in the spirit of Christian love and fellowship”, expressing hope that “at these challenging times, facing the Roman Catholic Church, his election will bring a new hope towards the…
Lent concert at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias
On Thursday 14 March 2013, under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I, the Department of Christian Education of the Catholicosate of Cilicia organized a spiritual concert, accompanied with meditation. The Armash Choir of the Seminary, conducted by Rev. Torkom Donoyan, sang spiritual hymns of the season, and five monks led the meditations. …
The Catholicosate of Cilicia participates in the conference on human rights organized by the Middle East Council of Churches
Monday 11 March, 2013. His Holiness Aram I nominated Ms Mania Missirian to represent the Catholicosate at the Human Rights conference organized by the Unit on Life and Service of the Middle East Council of Churches. In her welcoming speech Ms Seta Hadeshian, the Director of the Unit welcomed the experts, church and civil society…
The Armenian Church at the enthronement of the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch
On Sunday, 3 March 2013, Archbishop Avak Assadourian and Bishop Ashod Menatsakanian from the Holy See of Etchmiadzin and Archbishops Gorun Babian and Nareg Alemezian from the Holy See of Cilicia represented the Armenian Orthodox Church at the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Abuna Mathias in Addis Ababa. During the ceremony, Archbishop Gorun read…
The Armenian Studies department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia organizes intensive courses for the perfection of the western Armenian language
After a series of consultations on the usage of the Western Armenian language today, His Holiness Aram I nominated a committee of specialists to study its current usage in the diaspora. The Committee, in cooperation with the Armenian Studies department of the Catholicosate announced the establishment of the first six-month intensive course which runs from…
His Holiness Aram I congratulates the new President of Cyprus
His Holiness Aram I sent a letter of congratulations to Nicos Anastiadis, the new President-elect of the Republic of Cyprus. In his letter, the Catholicos wrote, âOur churches share identical histories, similar traditions and common values. Both our churches and people advocate justice and human rights. The challenges addressed to our people and the world…
His Holiness Aram I receives ecumenical visitors
During the week His Holiness Aram I held meetings with ecumenical guests visiting Lebanon. He first met with Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, a former member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the current Chairperson of the international interreligious organization, âReligions For Peaceâ. Rev. Kishkovsky briefed the Catholicos, who is…
His Holiness Aram I congratulates President Serj Sarkissian upon his re-election
19 February 2013, in a letter addressed to President Serge Sarkissian, His Holiness Aram I congratulated him on his re-election for a second term. In his letter, His Holiness assured the President of the support of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in his endeavours to strengthen Armenia, reinforce Armenian-Diaspora relations and defend the just cause…
“Hrair and Maggy Soghomonian are the benefactors of the new brotherhood building in Bikfaya” announces His Holiness Aram I
Upon the request of His Holiness Aram I, Hrair and Maggy Soghomonian, residents of the United Arab Emirates, donated one-and-a-half million U.S. dollars for the construction of a new building at the seminary in Bikfaya. In his letter of appreciation, His Holiness wrote, âWe are greatly moved by your generous bequest and its powerful acknowledgement…
His Holiness Aram I attends the enthronement of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X Yazigi
On Sunday, 17 February 2013, the newly elect Greek Orthodox Patriarch, John X Yazigi, was enthroned at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Beirut. The President, Prime Minister and all the Heads of religious communities in Lebanon were present at the Service. His Holiness Aram I attended the ceremony, accompanied by Archbishop Kegham…
