Dr. Sarkis Keyhayan, who has arrived from Germany at the invitation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, offers a series of lectures on ethics and philosophical topics for the Armenological students of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, members of the Cilician brotherhood, and seminarians extending from October 31st to November 15th, at the Catholicosate, in Antelias.
On Monday evening, October 31st, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the newly-elected Armenian Church University Students’ Association (ACUSA) Committee, accompanied by their spiritual advisor V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Nadjarian, who presented to His Holiness their upcoming activities, including marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the ACUSA. welcoming the committee, His…
The Oriental Orthodox-Anglican International Commission held its ninth residential meeting from 24th to 29th of October 2022, at The Bethel Centre of the Coptic Orthodox Church, in Braintree, Essex, England, hosted by the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London. V. Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate, continued his participation in the commission on…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I appointed H.G. Bishop Magar Ashkarian as Pontifical Legate to the Armenian Prelacy in Syria. On Tuesday, October 25th, 2022, the Bishop departed for Aleppo, accompanied by V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Najarian and V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian. Prior to assuming the position, Bishop Magar was the director of…
On Monday, October 24th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I departed for Geneva. He was accompanied by the director of the information and communication department V. Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian. In Geneva, His Holiness will conduct work meetings on a number of projects related to the mission of the Holy See of Cilicia.
On October 17th to 19th, 2022, representatives from the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, and the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria convened in the Anba Bishoy Monastery, in Egypt. A fellowship between these three oriental orthodox churches was established in 1996, and since then, the heads of the…
On Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, the General Assembly of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) convened online and discussed matters related to adopting a creative approach, the protection of environment, strengthening of inter-church cooperation and ecumenism, among other topics. V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian participates in the meeting on…
On Tuesday night, October 18th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I departed for Cairo, Egypt, for a one-day visit, to convene with the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II. The aim of the meeting is to discuss topics pertaining to inter-church cooperation and Christian presence in…
According to Cilicia TV, quoting the Chancellor’s office of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, the High Commissioner of Diaspora Affairs of Armenia Zareh Sinanyan had invited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to the Global Armenian Summit, a month ago in a phone correspondence, and His Holiness had expressed his concerns and reservations in…
With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, H.E. Arch. Shahan Sarkissian, director of the Cilicia Library, participated at the “Heritage Preservation for a Sustainable Future” International Conference, dedicated to the 510th anniversary of Armenian Printing, held at the National Library of Armenia on September 28-29, 2022, in Yerevan, and presented a paper on…
With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, candidates for the four ranks of archimandrite defended their theses in front of a panel headed by the Catholicos, on Saturday, October 15th, 2022. The topics were elaborations of themes drawn from the archives of the Catholicosate concerning correspondences between the Holy See of Cilicia…
Lebanese-Armenian athlete and holder of several bodybuilding championships, Khatchig Arjinian, paid a visit to His Holiness Aram I, on Thursday, October 13, 2022. Arjinian is a former student of the Armenian Theological Seminary and alumni of Souren Khanamirian College. Currently he serves in the Lebanese Army.
On Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Ambassador of Lebanon to the Vatican Dr. Farid el-Khazen. During the meeting they discussed matters pertaining to the current political situation in Lebanon and the upcoming Presidential election.
With an official ceremony, presided by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Armenian Theological Seminary opened its 2022-2023 academic year on Sunday, September 9th, 2022, in the atrium of the Catholicosate, in Antelias. Hymns and poems were recited and bible passages were read by students during the ceremony, followed by the Dean’s message delivered…
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, received the newly elected committee of the Shnorhali Choir of the Catholicosate, headed by the conductor of the choir V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Najarian. Expressing his filial gratitude, Fr. Zaven briefed His Holiness on the forthcoming agenda of the Shnorhali Choir,…
The Armenian Theological Seminary of the Holy See of Cilicia held a teachers’ meeting ahead of the 2022-2023 academic year, headed by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Saturday, October 1st, 2022. The dean of the Seminary V. Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian started the meeting and announced that the Seminary is pleased to receive…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the director of the CAHL – Armenian Elderly Home, accompanied by the Board of Trustees, in Antelias. The visitors informed His Holiness on the current situation of the institution and elaborated on the challenges they are facing vis-à-vis the existing socio-economic difficulties of the country. The Catholicos…
Hamazkayin Lebanon “Knar” Dance Troupe, headed by their committee, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I in Bikfaya, following their participation in the Armenian Dance Festival held in Greece. His Holiness gave them his blessings and praised the achievements of the Troupe, as well as the efforts of the Hamazkayin in Lebanon and worldwide, and…
The World Council of Churches held its 11th General Assembly from August 31st to September 8th 2022, in the German city of Karlsruhe with the theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.” The Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia participated with a delegation consisting of twelve members—six clergy: Archbishops Gomidas Ohanian, Sebouh…
In a letter to H.E. Zbigniew Rau, OSCE chairman-in-office, and minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca and Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen, general secretary of the Conference of European Churches, jointly appeal for urgent action by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe…
During the recent Cilician Brotherhood gathering, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I announced the following new appointments: – Rev. Fr. Sdepanos Pashayan, formerly pastor St. Mary Church in Thessaloniki, joins the Information and Communication Department in Antelias and is replaced by V. Rev. Fr. Yeghia Malkhassian. -Rev. Fr. Avedik Der Garabedian and V. Rev. Fr.…
On Sunday, August 21st, 2022, a requiem service was held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias and St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya, as well as in all Prelacy churches of the Holy See of Cilicia, under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, for the repose of the souls of the victims…
On Wednesday, August 17th, 2022, the Ambassador of Argentina to Lebanon Mr Mauricio Alice visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to officially present the special edition volume dedicated to His Holiness Pope Francis entitled Diálogos Fraternos to which Catholicos Aram I has contributed with an article. The volume, which was the result of Pope Francis’ invitation for mutual tolerance and…
On Sunday, August 14th, 2022, the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was celebrated at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. H.G. Bishop Magar Ashkarian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and conducted the blessing of the grape ceremony. Bishop Magar also offered his sermon on the occasion of the feast and cited…
On Tuesday, August 16th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a condolence letter to the head of the Coptic Church His Holiness Pope Tawadros II over the fire erupted on August 14th, killing dozens of worshippers gathered for Sunday Morning Divine Liturgy at a church in Giza. The letter reads: “With deep sorrow we follow the…
A Cilician Brotherhood gathering was held on Monday, August 15th, 2022, headed by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, at St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya. Following remarks and announcements regarding the mission and upcoming appointments of the members of the Brotherhood, His Holiness expressed sympathy for the victims of the Surmalu shopping center explosion in…
On Saturday, August 13th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the solemn Divine Liturgy, celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian at St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya, marking the Pilgrimage Day of the namesake monastery. Following the service, the pontifical procession ascended the altar to conduct the blessing of the grapes and madagh…
Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and organized by the Christian Education Department, a week of special services, prayers and Bible studies were held between August 8th to 12th of 2022, at St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya, celebrating the Monastery’s Pilgrimage Day. On this occasion, His Holiness Aram I met with…
The Lambeth Conference, a gathering of the bishops of the World Anglican Communion, convened from July 26th to August 7th, 2022, at the invitation of Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. H.G. Bishop Magar Ashkarian participated in the conference on behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia. The conference takes place once every…
Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and organized by the Armenian Church Students’ Association (ACUSA), more than 80 participants from different Lebanese Armenian youth and student associations gathered in Bikfaya on July 30th, for a dialogue entitled “The Armenian Diaspora Youth: Today and Tomorrow” and organized on the occasion of the Year of the…
On Thursday, July 28th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the newly appointed Ambassador of Pakistan to Lebanon H.E. Mr. Salman Athar, accompanied by embassy personnel. During their discussion, His Holiness shared his thoughts on the current situation in Lebanon, and offered an overview of the mission of the Holy See of Cilicia.…
Since the fourth century the Armenian Apostolic Church has celebrated the blessing of the Holy Muron, which embodies the material presence of the Holy Spirit within our Church. This holy oil is consecrated once every seven years and serves various sacramental functions. During the liturgical service, Muron from the previous consecration is mixed with the…
On Thursday, July 7th, 2022, Mike Kharabian–chair of the Central Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar)–visits His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. He was accompanied by Dr. Avedis Dakesssian–member of the Central Committee and chair of the Lebanese Regional Committee. They discussed matters pertaining to Armenia-Diaspora relations and the reorganization of the Diaspora,…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received a delegation representing the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches, headed by their respective General Secretaries, on Thursday morning, July 7th, 2022. The delegation consisted of high-ranking personnel of the two Councils. The aim of the visit was to consult with His Holiness…
On Wednesday, July 6th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Dr. Hratch Kouyoumjian, Chair of the Supreme Council of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar). The meeting was an opportunity to discuss contemporary issues concerning the Armenian nation. His Holiness underlined the imperative of strengthening the internal unity of the nation in view…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the General Assembly of the Cilician Brotherhood held on July 4th and 5th, 2022, at the Catholicosate of Cilicia, in Antelias. The Assembly began with a morning service, followed by a requiem service for the repose of the souls of departed Cilician brothers. Subsequently, the Brotherhood convened…
ANTELIAS, LEBANON (July 1, 2022)- Thousands gathered in front of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias for the blessing of the Holy Muron – Muhronortnek – by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia. Despite the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19…
On June 20th to 24th, 2022, the 18th Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches was held at the Vatican. On behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, H.G. Bishop Magar Ashkarian and V. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian (co-secretary) participated in the meeting. Participants…
The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the highest decision-making body of the WCC, convened in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 15th to the 18th. This is the first time the Central Committee has met in person since the beginning of the pandemic. The plenary focused primarily on preparing for the 11th…
On Saturday, June 18th, 2022, a delegation from the the newly-elected Central Committee of the Hamazkayin, headed by Zakar Keshishian, visited His Holiness Aram I in Bikfaya, and presented their upcoming agenda. His Holiness welcomed the guests and expressed his high commend for Hamazkayin’s accomplishments in the educational and cultural spheres, and reaffirmed his unreserved…
On Saturday, June 18th, 2022, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, president of the Haigazian University, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. Rev. Dr. Haidostian shared with His Holiness his recent appointment as Interim President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelic Churches in the Near East after the former president Mgrditch Karageozian’s retirement, while continuing…
With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and on behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, three young priests participated in the Oriental Orthodox Churches’ study visit to the Vatican organized by the Pontifical Council for the Christian Unity, from May 30th to June 6th, 2022. The program was launched in…
On Sunday, June 12th, 2022, under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian celebrated Divine Liturgy and performed the ordination of three Seminarians—Yervant Yeghyayan, Antranig Minassian and Serge Keosherian—as deacons, who were led to the alter by V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian. During the ceremony, the candidates ascended the altar…
On Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, a conference celebrating the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II visit to Lebanon was organized by Caritas Lebanon Youth, entitled “One Common Home, Lebanon of Hope.” With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian, V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian, and V. Rev. Fr.…
On Wednesday evening, June 8th, 2022, the newly-elected Armenian Church University Students’ Association (ACUSA) Committee, accompanied by their spiritual consultor V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Nadjarian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to receive his blessings and present their agenda for the year, including a youth conference on the year of the Armenian Diaspora…
On Friday morning, June 10th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Lebanese ambassador to the Vatican, Dr. Farid el-Khazen. Dr. Khazen, who is in constant contact with the Catholicos, expressed the Vatican’s high respect for His Holiness and conveyed to him the greetings of high-ranking directors of various departments. He then updated…
On Thursday morning, June 9th, 2022, the graduating students of the Armenological Center of the Catholicosate of Cilicia received their certificates, by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. Following the distribution of the certificates, His Holiness made a short speech and congratulated the fours graduates: Araxy Khrimian Achabahian, Avedis Asayan, Nver Elkhatyan Achabahian and Verjine…
On Thursday, June 9th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the newly appointed Hungarian Ambassador to Lebanon, Ferenc Csillag, in Antelias. His Holiness welcomed the first visit of the ambassador and briefed him on the mission of the Holy See of Cilicia, shedding light on the imperative role of the Lebanese Armenian community,…
On Friday, July 1st, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I will bless the Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. The ceremony, which takes place every 7 years, is a significant event in the life of our church and nation. It is indeed an opportunity to strengthen our faith, renew the spiritual life, and reaffirm our…
We are pleased to announce the launching of the special publication dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the election and consecration of His Holiness Aram I as Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia. 52 contributors from various fields: religious, ecumenical, academic, political, church administration, community leadership, among others, pay tribute to…
On Thursday, June 2nd, 2022, a long meeting was held between His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and Dr. Joanna Wronecka, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. They discussed matters pertaining to the current situation in Lebanon, especially following the parliamentary elections, and to the possibilities of alleviating the…
After the successful concert in Rabiew and at the suggestion of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, which was echoes by many, the Shonorhali Choir of the Catholicosate of Cilicia performed at the Bourdj Hamoud square, on Saturday, May 28th, 2022, on the anniversary of the independence of the First Republic of Armenia. The…
On May 22nd and 23rd, 2022, the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) held its General Assembly in Egypt, with the participation of 30 representatives of different churches in the Middle East. On behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian participated in the GA. The aim…
On Sunday, May 22nd, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I decorated Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian with the Knight of Cilicia Insignia as a token of appreciation for his dedicated service to the Armenian church and its people. Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chair of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, and his wife Mrs. Hasmig had…
The 104th anniversary of the First Independence of the Republic of Armenia was celebrated at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral during the Divine Liturgy with thanksgiving prayers and blessing of the flag ceremony, as well as a requiem service for the repose of the souls who fell for their homeland and its independence, on Sunday,…
On Monday, May 16th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a congratulatory letter on behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia and the Armenian Prelacy in the UAE, Qatar and the neighboring countries to the newly elected president of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressig support and wishing him prosperity.
On Monday, May 16th, 2022, His Holiness Aram I departed to Cairo, Egypt, at the invitation of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), to participate in the MECC 12th General Assembly as a guest of honor and deliver his message. The Holy See…
On Friday, May 13th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended his condolences to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its people on the passing of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, on behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Armenian Prelacy of the USA, Qatar and the neighboring countries. His Holiness mentions…
On Friday, May 13th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Russian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Rudakov, and the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon, Vahagn Atabekyan respectively, in Antelias. During the meeting with Ambassador Rudakov, the Catholicos expressed his opinions and concerns on the war in Ukraine and Armenia. In turn, the Ambassador clarified…
On Thursday, May 12th, 2022, Orthodox Churches convened in Cyprus for a pre-assembly consultation in preparation for the WCC General Assembly to be held in Germany. On behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia Arch. Sebou Sarkissian (Prelate of Tehran) and Arch. Kegham Khatcherian (Prelate of Greece), participated in the meeting.
The Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) of the World Council of Churches (WCC), in collaboration with the International Missionary Council (IMC), marks the 100th anniversary of the IMC through a series of activities taking place in 2021-2022. The events of the centennial will focus on the history, current status and future field of…
On Monday, May 9th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the High Commissioner of Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Zareh Sinanian, accompanied by staff members. In attendance was also the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon, Vahagn Atabekyan. They discussed issues pertaining to the Armenia-Diaspora cooperation.
A delegation representing the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar) in Lebanon, headed by the Representative of the Regional Committee of the Party, Avedis Dakessian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. They joined their voices to His Holiness’ Armenian Genocide Commemoration message where the Catholicos had called for Armenian unity in overcoming the current hardships. His…
On Wednesday, May 4th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received a delegation from the Lebanese National Liberal Party, headed by Camille Dory Chamoun. During the meeting they discussed issues pertaining to the Lebanese internal affairs, socio-economic situation and the upcoming parliamentary elections. His Holiness welcomed the guests, reminiscing that the Catholicosate of Cilicia…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Dr. Hratch Kouyoumjian, Chair of the Supreme Council of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL). The meeting was an opportunity to give a general overview on the current situation in Armenia and the challenges faced by the Diaspora. Dr. Kouyoumjian briefed His Holiness on the ADL’s recent…
Over the past six months, the health services fund created by Mr. and Mrs. Alecco and Ani Bezikian, under the auspices of the Catholicosate, has operated in two phases. Each phase lasted three months, three days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On a weekly basis, the amount of aid has been determined…
On Friday, April 29th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Hagop Der Khatchadurian, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau Representative, accompanied by Mgrditch Mgrditchian, ARF Bureau member. During the meeting, they discussed issues related to Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I attended an Iftar banquet hosted by the Ambassador of the Saudi Arabia to Lebanon, Waleed Bukhari. In attendance were also head of churches, ambassadors of the Gulf Countries and Ambassador of the USA to Lebanon. The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss matters concerning Lebanon.
On Tuesday, April 26th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon Vahagn Atapekyan. The meeting was an opportunity to give a general overview of the Armenian Genocide commemoration events. They also discussed the situations in Armenia, Artsakh and Lebanon and underlined the imperative of strengthening the unity of Armenians. …
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a congratulatory letter to Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of his re-election as president of France. In his letter, the Catholicos underlines the decisive role of France in the current geopolitical situation, and states that France is called to reiterate its role in defending human rights especially in…
Under the high auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Sunday evening, April 24th, 2022, the “Shnorhali” Choir of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, led by V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Nadjarian and accompanied by Cilicia Band, held a concert of national songs in commemoration of the 107th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, in Liqaa, Rabiew.…
“Our nation is in crisis. The self-determination of Artsakh is uncertain. Armenia’s territorial integrity and even independence are threatened. Our demands are faced with serious challenges.” “We see an urgent need for consultations and cooperation among the Armenian leaderships on issues, programs, and concerns that matter to the entire Armenian nation, and adopt decisions accordingly…
On Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received a delegation representing different bodies within the Armenian General Benevolent Union, headed by Berge Setrakian, the AGBU President. His Holiness welcomed the visitors at the Main Hall of the Catholicosate and expressed his commend for their services in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora.…
On Tuesday, April 19th, 2022, His Beatitude Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI, accompanied by the Patriarchal Auxiliary of Beirut Bishop Kevork Assadourian and the parish priest of the Armenian Catholic Holy Cross Church Fr. Sebouh Garabedian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I in Antelias. In attendance was also the Prelate of Lebanon Arch. Shahe Panossian and the…
On Tuesday, April 5th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Vahagn Atapekyan, the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon. They discussed issues pertaining to Armenia-Diaspora cooperation, as well as talked about projects and events concerning the Armenia Diaspora in light of proclaiming 2022 the Year of the Armenian Diaspora, and the involvement of youth in shaping…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received a group of talented youth from Artsakh, who had arrived in Lebanon recently under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Artsakh and organized by the “JAH” (Javakhk, Artsakh, Armenia) Committee, and gave them his blessings, on Tuesday evening, April 5th,…
St. Gregory the Illuminator is the Patron Saint of the Armenian Church. He is referred to as Illuminator for spreading the light of Jesus Christ and formally establishing the Armenian Church. St. Gregory underwent passion and was prisoned in a pit (Khor Virab) for more than a decade. The Armenian Church commemorates the feast of…
In the early hours of Saturday, April 2nd, 2022, on the feast of the St. Gregory the Illuminator’s descent into the pit (Khor Virab) and the eve of the Antelias Pilgrimage Day, pilgrims and Armenian Theological Seminary students marched from St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya to St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, where they…
On Saturday, April 2nd, 2022, on the occasion of the Antelias Pilgrimage Day, sacred relics, kept at the Cilicia Museum, were taken out by His Holiness Aram I and placed in a reliquary coffer to be revealed to the faithful on Sunday during the Divine Liturgy.
During the past days, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the following guests: – Former Minister of Communication Jean-Louis Kordahi – Armenian conductor based in the USA Raffi Mikaelian – Istanbul Armenian singer Sibil – Prominent Armenian literary critic Yervand Ter-Khatchatryan His Holiness also received a phone correspondence from Bahaa…
On Sunday, March 13th, the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected president of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khatchatrian was held. On this occasion, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, who was invited to the ceremony, sent a congratulatory letter to the president.
On Saturday, March 12th, His Holiness Aram I received Fresno’s Honorary Consul of Armenia Berj Apkarian, on whose initiative, a week ago, a team of eight physicians, known as the Fresno Medical Mission, traveled to Lebanon to assist the medical needs of the Armenian community. During the meeting Apkarian briefed His Holiness on their…
A delegation representing the Middle East Council of Churches, headed by the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Friday, March 11th, 2022. The delegation gave a general overview of the MECC’s activities and future plans, and invited His Holiness to deliver his speech at the MECC General Assembly,…
A group of Armenian physicians from Fresno, who have arrived at Lebanon on a special mission and will be assisting the medical needs of the Armenian community, visited His Holiness Aram I on Sunday morning, March 6th, 2022, headed by Fresno’s Honorary Consul of Armenia Berj Apkarian and led by Dr. Elie Tashjian. His…
By the ordinance and blessings of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the granting of the first four ranks of Vartabed (doctor in the dogma of the Armenian Church) of V. Rev. Fr. Ashod Khatchadourian, Pastor of Holy Trinity Mother Church of Fresno, was conducted by H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of…
On Teachers’ Day, March 9th, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended his pontifical blessings and expressed appreciation to the educators. On this occasion, he made a financial contribution to teachers of Armenian schools in Lebanon (662) and Syria (400). The Catholicos stressed that in light of the economic crisis faced by these two countries, it…
The Iranian Cultural Center of the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran in Lebanon, in collaboration with the International Centre for Dialogue Among Civilizations (ICDAC), and as part of the Fajr Cultural Days, has organized a symposium dedicated to the cultural diversity, under the sponsorship of the Lebanese Minister of Culture Mohamed Mourtada, on Tuesday,…
On Tuesday morning, March 1st, 2022, the body of V. Rev. Fr. Vahan Berberian (1945-2022) was laid to rest in the Zarehian Mausoleum following the extreme unction presided by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. During the service, the coffin was elevated to the altar, and with special hymns, it turned…
The departed Father Vahan was born with the given name Hovsep in Derik (Syria) in 1945. He received his primary education in the “Azadutyun” Armenian school in his birth town and was accepted to the Armenian Theological Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in 1960. He was ordained a deacon in 1964, consecrated and ordained…
February 27th marks the 34th anniversary of the Sumgait pogroms committed by Azerbaijanis against the Armenians of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh) that lasted for three days. In commemoration of the fallen victims, a requiem service was held on Sunday, February 27th, 2022, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, following the Divine Liturgy, under the…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and the Cilician Brotherhood announce with great sorrow the passing of one of the senior priests of the Brotherhood V. Rev. Fr. Vahan Berberian (1945-2022) that occurred on Saturday morning, February 26th, 2022. The final consecration and funeral order will be held on Tuesday, March 1st, 2022, at St.…
The feast of St. Vartan the Warrior and his companions is considered one of the most important national and religious feasts for Armenians, as they had fought and died in defense of their Christian faith in 451. Every year, on the Thursday lying before the Poon Paregentan, the Sunday preceding the great Lent, Armenians worldwide…
The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the highest decision-making body of the WCC, convened by virtual conference, from February 9th to the 16th. Over 200 committee members and advisors joined the meeting. The plenary focused primarily on preparing for the 11th WCC Assembly, which will take place in September of this…
On Tuesday, February 15th, 2022, His Holiness Aram I presided over a set of meetings related to the life of the brotherhood, including the committees working towards the preparation of the Holy Muron, the upcoming General Assembly of the brotherhood, as well as the ritual improvement committee. His Holiness will also preside over the…
On Sunday, February 13th, 2022, the eve of the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple was celebrated at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. During the special service, Antasdan (Blessing of the Four Corners of the World), presenting the children…
On Tuesday, February 8th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the 5 recently ordained priests–V. Rev. Fr. Yezegel Selloumian, V. Rev. Fr. Yessayi Eordekian, V. Rev. Fr. Yezras Tenekedjian, V. Rev. Fr. Yeghia Malkhassian and V. Rev. Fr. Yeremia Degirmenjian–to finalize their archimandrite theses topics.
By ordinance of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and responding to the requests from the Eastern and Western Prelacies of our Holy See in the United States, V. Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian, V. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian and V. Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian relocated to the United States, to continue their mission within our prelacies.…
Between January 26th and 28th, 2022, the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches was held online. On behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia Bishop Magar Ashkarian and V. Rev. Boghos Tinkjian (co-secretary) participated in the Dialogue. Participants discussed the document on the seven…
On Thursday, February 3rd, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I met with the US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea, accompanied by Ethan Lynch, the Political Attaché of the Embassy, at the headquarters of the Holy See of Cilicia, in Antelias. They discussed issues pertaining to Lebanon, and underlined the importance of the upcoming parliamentary…
