ՀԱՍԿ Փետրուար – Մարտ
Հասկ կարդալ հոս
The new Ambassador Designate of the United Kingdom (UK) visits the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias
On Thursday 6 April 2017 in the morning, Hugo Short, Ambassador designate of the UK to Lebanon, met with His Holiness Aram I. During the meeting, which lasted around an hour, they discussed matters related to the Middle East and the internal life of Lebanon. His Holiness then talked about the Armenian community in Lebanon…
Armenians Renew Their Attachment To St Gregory The Illuminator, His Faith And His Mission
On Sunday, 2 April 2017, His Holiness Aram I presided over the Holy Liturgy at the Cathedral in Antelias, remembering the torture and imprisonment in the Khor Virab Dungeon of St Gregory the Illuminator, founder of the Armenian Church. In 1935, to honor St. Gregory the Illuminator, Catholicos Sahak II Khabayan of Cilicia issued an…
On the Feast of St Gregory the Illuminator His Holiness Aram I exhorts Armenians to transform their lives into a pilgrimage of faith
On Saturday evening, at the end of the Vespers dedicated to the feast of St Gregory the Illuminator, which was held at the Cathedral in Antelias, His Holiness Aram I addressed the clergy, seminarians and the pilgrims, and spoke of the past and present meanings of sainthood, illuminator and pilgrimage. Sainthood is a gift…
His Holiness Aram I asks the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to declare it has jurisdiction over the Armenian Church’s claim against Turkey for the return of its historical Seat in Sis
On XX March 2017, the International Legal Team representing the Catholicosate of Cilicia wrote to the Registrar of the ECHR on behalf of His Holiness Aram I, to provide additional documentation on the admissibility of its case against Turkey for the return of its historical Seat in Sis. The new documents relate to the…
His Holiness Aram I receives the new Spiritual Leader of the Latin Church in Lebanon
On Friday 24 March 2017 in the morning, His Holiness Aram I received Bishop Caesar Yessayan, who is of Armenian origin. Having served in Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Italy, the bishop is familiar with Armenian history as well as the history of the relationship of the two churches. Catholicos Aram I welcomed the Prelate…
His Holiness Aram I receives Lebanese Artists who will exhibit their work on the Armenian Genocide
On Friday evening, 24 March 2017, His Holiness Aram I received a group of Lebanese artists who will be exhibiting their work on the Armenian Genocide on 24 April in Byblos. The exhibition, which is being organized by the Tekeyan Cultural Association in Lebanon, tells the story of the Genocide through Art. Following introductions…
His Holiness Aram I Presides over the Mid Lent Service at the St Nishan Church of the Diocese of Lebanon
According to the established tradition, and in response to the invitation of the Prelate and members of the Church Council of the Diocese of Lebanon, His Holiness Aram I presided over the Mid Lent Service at the St Nishan Church in Beirut. The Seminarians who accompanied the Catholicos chanted the Service. At the…
His Holiness Aram I receives The Prelate of Kuwait and the Neighbouring Countries, and Representatives of the Church Councils
2 March 2017. On Thursday morning, Very Rev Masis Zoboyan, the Prelate, and representatives of the Church Councils of Kuwait and its neighbouring countries held a working meeting with Catholicos Aram I. The main agenda was the renovation of the Church and School. They informed His Holiness that the work was progressing as scheduled and…
His Holiness Aram I receives writer and film director Vatche Boulghourdjian
25 February 2017. On Saturday writer and director Vatche Boulghourdjian and his sister Sarti met with His Holiness Aram I in his office in Antelias. Vatche Boulghourdjian, who received an MFA from New York University’s Graduate Film Program, has had his critically acclaimed films exhibited in festivals around the world. He…
His Excellency, Michael Minassian, Ambassador of Armenia to the Vatican, visits Antelias
The Ambassador, accompanied by Vartan Garabedian, First Advisor of the Armenian Embassy in Lebanon, visited Antelias. The guests toured the offices and met the staff in Antelias, and then went to St Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya, where they were briefed on the mission of the Catholicosate and the Seminary. During the two-day stay they also…
His Holiness Aram I receives Professor Emeritus Richard Hovanissian of University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
25 February 2017. On Saturday Morning, Richard Hovanissian, Armenian Educational Foundation Professor of Modern Armenian History at UCLA, met with Catholicos Aram I in his office. Professor Hovanissian was accompanied by members of the Lebanon Committee of ‘Tekeyan Cultural Association.’ Discussions focussed primarily on the status of the lawsuit that the Catholicosate of Cilicia…
His Holiness Aram I receives the children of Sunday Schools on ‘Poun Pareguentan’ (Shrovetide)
26 February 2017. On Sunday morning, following the Holy Liturgy at St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, the Monastery Sunday School students, accompanied by their teachers and parents, met with His Holiness Aram I. To mark the day in the traditional way, they wore masks. After greeting the children, teachers and parents, Catholicos Aram I…
Church Services during the forty days of Lent at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias
Armenian Church Fathers have described the Great Lent as the “Powerful Gate,” constructed through self-introspection and abstinence, in anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For the Fathers, the Great Lent is an invitation to engage in spiritual quest. According to Gregory of Datev, “the spirit is cleansed by tears serving as hot water and…
The celebration of the “Ghevontiants” Feast
Antelias 22 February 2017. On Tuesday 21 February in the morning, two consecutive services were held at the St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. The “Ghevontiants” feast commemorates the life of the clergy who committed their lives to protect the Armenian people and their Christian faith. After the prayers, the members of the…
Memorial Service for the deceased Catholicoi and Clergy of the Catholicosate of Cilicia
22 February 2017. On Sunday, 19 February, following the Holy Liturgy, the clergy and the faithful moved to the “Zarehian Mausoleum” where His Holiness Aram I presided over the memorial service. Each year, in February, this special service is held in all the Dioceses of the Catholicosate to remember and honour the memory of the…
Celebrations on the Eve of “Diarentarach” in Antelias
13 February 2016. On Monday evening families brought their young children to St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral to celebrate the eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. His Holiness Aram I presided over the prayers of praise and thanksgiving and, according to the ancient tradition, the Grand Sacristan of the…
His Holiness Aram I Honors Ara Ardzrouni with St Mesrob Masdots Insignia
12 February 2017. On Sunday, after the Holy Liturgy at the St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, Catholicos Aram I received Mr Ara Ardzrouni and his wife at the Main Hall of the Catholicosate. The Armenian literary community, educators and friends had also come to honor and celebrate. Mr Jirair Tanielian, Director of…
The Diocesan Council of Lebanon met with His Holiness Aram I
23 January 2017. On Monday afternoon Archbishop Shahé Panossian, the Prelate, accompanied by the members of the Diocesan Council, met with Catholicos Aram I in Antelias. They presented the Council’s 2016 activity report and the 2017 proposed programmes. They also updated the Catholicos on the initiative to create a United Armenian School, expected to begin…
The Meetings of the Central Councils of the Church Assembly and the Sub-Councils of Religious Affairs and Laity Conclude
The three-day meeting, scheduled 18-20 January 2016 and presided over by Catholicos Aram I, concluded with recommendations on the 19 items on the agenda, which address different manifestations of the mission of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The three bodies met separately, as joint groups, and in plenary, depending on the topics. After welcoming the…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia takes part in the Annual Meeting of the Council of Churches in the Gulf (CCG)
16-18 January 2017, the annual meeting of the Council of Churches in the Gulf Countries, comprising the Anglican, Evangelical and Orthodox Churches, which are officially recognized by the Gulf countries, was held in Abu Dhabi. The Very Rev Mesrob Sarkissian, Pontifical Vicar for UAE and Qatar and Executive Committee member of the CCG, represented the…
His Holiness Aram I receives Archbishop Paul Sayah, Vicar General of the Maronite Patriarchate
23 January 2017. On Tuesday morning Archbishop Sayah visited Catholicos Aram I in Antelias. The Archbishop transmitted his good wishes for Christmas and said that His Holiness’ recent visit to Syria had inspired hope to Armenians in Syria and to all Christian communities. After His Holiness shared his reflections on his pastoral visit, he and…
His Holiness Aram I Received the President of the United Church in Austrialia
21 January 2017. On Saturday morning, Stuart McMillan, President of the United Church in Australia, and his delegation met with His Holiness Aram I. Rev Meguerditch Karagueuzian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, was also among the guests. After an overview of the state of Christianity today and…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia participates in the Executive Committee Meeting of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
16-17 January 2017. The new Executive Committee of the MECC, elected during the 11th General Assembly in 2016, met for the first time at the Evangelical Church in Lebanon. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, and Dr Jean Salmanian represented the Catholicosate at the meeting. The members of the Committee discussed the documents approved…
The Executive Community of the Catholicosate of Cilicia begins its deliberations in Antelias
His Holiness Aram I will be presiding over the meetings of the Religious Council and the Council of Laity to discus the life and work of the Church. The Religious Council will discuss the mission of the Church and new concerns, while the Council of Laity will discuss administrative and financial issues, construction and renovation…
His Holiness receives The Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon
14 April 2017. On Saturday, His Holiness received Ambassador Samuel Mekertichian in his office. During the meeting, they discussed the recent pastoral visit of His Holiness to Aleppo and the situation in Karabagh, especially the incidents on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
His Holiness Aram I receives the Armenian Catholic Patriarch and his delegation
14 January 2017. On Saturday morning, the Armenian Catholic Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan, accompanied by four senior clergy met with Catholicos Aram I at his Office. Archbishops Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of Tehran, Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of Peria (Aleppo) and Very Rev Torkom Donoyan also attended the meeting. …
His Holiness Aram I receives the Apostolic Delegate of the Vatican to Lebanon
13 January 2017. On Friday morning, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, the Apostolic Delegate representing Pope Francis, personally delivered the Pope’s New Year Letter to Catholicos Aram I. His Holiness and the archbishop discussed recent developments in Lebanon and Syria, and His Holiness said that the Vatican’s strong solidarity with Christians in Syria must continue.
His Holiness Aram I sends a letter of condolence to Hassan Rouhani, President Islamic Republic of Iran
His Holiness Aram I wrote to President Rouhani, expressing his condolences on the death of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former President of Iran. In his letter the Catholicos also mentioned his two meetings with the former president and he praised Rafsanjani’s contribution to the advancement of international relations. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, accompanied by two clergy,…
His Holiness Aram I meets the local leadership and the religious leaders of Aleppo
During the two-day visit, Catholicos Aram I received political representatives, heads of religious communities of the city, and the director of Aleppo University, as well as a delegation representing its faculty. They all welcomed him and expressed their appreciation for his tireless commitment to Christian-Muslim dialogue and his emphasis on Christians being an integral…
His Holiness Aram I celebrates Christmas Liturgy with the Armenian Community in Aleppo
6 January 2016. His Holiness Aram I celebrated the Christmas Liturgy at the Holy Mother of God Church, assisted on the altar by Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, the Diocesan Bishop, and Bishop Norayr Ashekian, a member of the brotherhood accompanying the Catholicos. Catholicos Aram I focussed his sermon on the biblical verse, “Do not be…
His Holiness Aram I’s visit gives hope to the Armenian Community in Aleppo
5 January 1017. On Thursday, Christmas Eve, His Holiness Aram I arrived in Aleppo to celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus Christ with the Armenian community who have stayed in Aleppo despite the conflict. He entered the city accompanied by Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of Peria (Syria) and an accompanying delegation consisting of clergy and laity.…
His Holiness Appeals for immediate help for Armenians in Aleppo
On the occasion of his pastoral visit to Aleppo on Armenian Christmas, His Holiness Aram I appealed to all Armenians to act urgently to help the historical Armenian community in Aleppo to recover and rise again. The Catholicos recalled the tragic experience of Armenians in Syria during the past five years, in which…
The Feast of St Stephan the Proto Deacon
25 December 2016. On Sunday morning, His Holiness Aram I presided over the Holy Liturgy at the St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, celebrating the feast of St Stephen, the martyr proto deacon, which is also the observance of the vocation of deacon. Rev Torkom Donoyan, former Dean of the Seminary, celebrated the Holy Liturgy and…
His Holiness Aram I received Dikran Kevorkian, the Ambassador of Armenia in Aleppo
26 December 2016. On Monday Ambassador Dikran Kevorkian briefed his Holiness on the recent developments in Aleppo. The Catholicos praised the ambassador’s decision to remain in Aleppo and his efforts to aid the spiritual and lay leadership of the Armenian Community. He also praised the Republic of Armenia for its humanitarian assistance to the Armenian…
His Holiness Aram I arrives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
21 December 2016. On his way back from Iran, His Holiness Aram I arrived in the UAE for a brief pastoral visit. Very Rev Misrob Sarkissian, Pontifical Vicar for the UAE and Qatar, Mr Hrayr Soghomonian, member of the General Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, and other community leaders welcomed him at the airport.…
His Holiness Aram I receives the Director of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization at the Prelacy in Tehran
19 December 2016. On Monday morning, His Holiness Aram I received Dr Abouzar Ebrahimi, President of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, and his colleagues. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of Tehran, Bishop Krikor Chiftjian, Diocese of Aderbadagan, Very Rev. Sipan Kechejian, Pontifical Vicar, Diocese of Isfahan and Bishop Magar Askarian, Vicar…
His Holiness meets the members of Organization of Armenian Business Owners of Iran
19 December, 2016. On Monday evening, the members of the Armenian Business Owner’s Organization met with His Holiness Aram I at the Prelacy in Tehran. Mr Hagop Hagopian, the President of the Organization, welcomed the Catholicos on behalf of its members and expressed their gratitude for his 20 years of leadership in the church and…
His Holiness Aram I visits the Headquarters of the Armenian daily “Alik” Newspaper
19 December, 2016. On Monday afternoon, His Holiness Aram I visited the offices of “Alik,” where he was received by the Board, the heads of departments and the Armenian members of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Maître Henrik Kholoyan, representing the Board, welcomed the Catholicos. Members of the newspaper’s staff and political…
His Holiness Aram I inaugurates the 7th Christian Muslim Dialogue in Tehran
13 December 2016. On Tuesday morning Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of Tehran, Bishop Krikor Chiftjian, Diocese of Aderbadagan, Very Rev. Sipan Kechejian, Pontifical Vicar, Diocese of Isfahan, members of his delegation and the members of the Diocesan Councils of Tehran, arrived at the Centre for Culture and…
The Armenian Community welcomes His Holiness at St Sarkis Cathedral in Tehran
On Tuesday afternoon, Catholicos Aram I and the accompanying delegation of clergy and laity went to St. Sarkis Church for ‘Canonical Prayers.’ Representatives of political authorities, the Armenian Civil Society organizations, students of Armenian Schools, scouts and a large number of the faithful greeted the Catholicos. After the blessing of salt and bread, Archbishop…
His Holiness Aram I begins his official visit to Tehran
On 13 December 2016, in the morning, His Holiness Aram I and his delegation arrived at Tehran Airport. He was welcomed by the International Center for Interreligious Dialogue of Iran, as well as Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of Tehran, Bishop Krikor Chiftjian, Diocese of Aderbadagan, Very Rev. Sipan Kechejian, Pontifical Vicar, Diocese…
His Holiness Aram I pays an official visit to Tehran
On Monday, 12 December 2016, His Holiness Aram I left for Tehran to preside over a one-week meeting between the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the International Center for Interreligious Dialogue of Iran. During his visit, Catholicos Aram I will also meet with government officials, the leadership of the Armenian community in Tehran, and with members…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia takes part in the meeting of the Pro Oriente Foundation in Vienna
The on-going Dialogue meeting between the Roman Catholic Pro Oriente Foundation and the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches was held from 28 November to 1 December 2016 in Vienna. The primary goal of the Foundation is to improve relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the two families of the Orthodox Churches through dialogue.…
A Public Concert by the Choir of the National Academy of Armenia
22 November 2016. On Tuesday evening, the special concert organized by the Diocese of Lebanon was held at the Casino du Liban, outside Beirut. Mr Krikor Hasheolian, Chancellor of the Prelacy welcomed the audience and thanked the Catholicos for his leadership. Mr Dikran Jinbashian addressed His Holiness on behalf of the Diocese and addressed…
The 20th Anniversary of Enthronement of His Holiness Aram I, Catholios of Cilicia Week of Praise and Thanksgiving organized by the Diocese of Lebanon
20 November 2016. Celebrations began on Sunday with special Liturgy held at the St Nichan Cathedral in Beirut. Bishop Shahé Panossian, the Prelate celebrating the Holy Liturgy accompanied by the Choir of the National Academy of Armenia conducted by Maestro Hovhannes Chekijian. The Ambassador of Armenian to Lebanon, Samuel Meguerditchian, Represetatives of all…
His Holiness Aram I Meets with Rev Dr Gottfried Locher, President of Swiss Protestant Churches
22 November 2016. On Tuesday morning Dr Locher met with His Holiness Aram I in Antelias. They discussed common concerns and the impact of the joint commemorative events of the 100th Anniversary Genocide of the Armenians in 2015, held in Switzerland, and the visit of His Holiness Aram I. The Catholicos praised the solidarity and accompaniment…
His Holiness Aram I met with Representatives of the Old Catholic Church Visiting Lebanon
18 November 2016. On Friday morning, His Holiness Aram I received Bishop Harald Rein and Professor Ours Phone Arks of the “Old Catholic Church” in Switzerland. During the meeting His Holiness Aram I brought them up to date on the conflict in the region and its impact on Lebanon and the Christian presence in the…
Assisting the Armenian Community in Syria is a Pan-Armenian Priority
16 November 2016. On Wednesday morning, His Holiness Aram I received Mr Gaguik Dzaroukian, President of the National Olympic Committee of Armenia, in his office. The purpose of the visit was to inform His Holiness of his pledge to assist the Armenians in Syria and ask for his guidance in this action. In order…
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia Announces the Launching of New Online Bookstore
On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, the bookstore of the Catholicosate of Cilicia has established a new online store. Over 1000 titles, 60 different souvenirs and around 40 DVDs and CDs are now available for sale online. The procedures to select and order online, payment, packaging and mailing are based on secured…
“Strengthening the Christian Presence in the Middle East is a Pan-Christian Priority” Stated His Holiness Aram I in Vatican
13 November 2016 – In his address to the conference, organized by the Pontifical Oriental Institute on the occasion of its centennial, His Holiness Aram I emphasized the crucial importanceof strengthening the Christian presence in the Middle East, considering it a pan-Christian priority. The main part of the conference, which took place at the…
His Holiness Aram I Meets with the Presidents of the Vatican Dicasteries
During his three-day visit to the Vatican and following the private meeting with Pope Francis, His Holiness Aram I held several working meetings with the Heads of the Decasteries. The Catholicos met with Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, with whom he discussed the Middle East and the state of its Christian presence. …
His Holiness Aram I and Pope Francis Meet in Vatican
11 November 2016. On Friday morning the scheduled meeting between the Pope and the Catholicos was held at the Papal office in the Vatican. After sharing greetings, Catholicos Aram I expressed his great appreciation for the Pope’s two pronouncements on the Armenian Genocide of 1915 as the first genocide of the 20th century, which he…
His Holiness Aram I Visits the Newly Elected President of Lebanon General Michel Aoun
On Friday morning, His Holiness Aram I, accompanied by the Primate of Lebanon, Bishop Shahé Panossian and the Dean of St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, Bishop Norayr Ashekian, met with the President-elect. Catholicos Aram I extended the good wishes of the elected bodies of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the people…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia invited to the Regional Conference Organized by the UNDP and KAICIID
The Regional conference brought together representatives of international organizations, Muslim institutions, representatives of Churches, university professors and the media to discuss the topic, “Interreligious Dialogue on Diversity, Tolerance and Social Cohesion in the Arab Region.” Very Rev Housig Mardirossian, the Ecumenical Officer, attended the conference representing the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia. During the session…
His Holiness Aram I Inaugurates the 37th Book Fair Dedicating it to the 350th Anniversary of the Printing of the Armenian Bible
On Sunday 30 October 2016, following the Holy Liturgy, the Catholicos, the clergy, seminarians and the faithful walked in procession to the pavilion, to take part in the annual Book Fair. As they marched, the seminary students sang hymn praising the invention of the Armenian alphabet. In his message Catholicos Aram I spoke of…
The Fifth Meeting of the Anglican and Oriental Orthodox Theological Dialogue Commission is Held in Antelias.
25-28 October 2016. On Tuesday, the meeting began in Antelias in the presence of the delegations representing the Anglican Communion and the representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. The Oriental Orthodox delegation included representatives from the Armenian Church, the Holy See of Cilicia, the Coptic, Syriac, Malabar Indian and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches. The delegations comprised…
His Holiness Aram I Briefs the Members of the Brotherhood on his Pastoral Visit
Upon his return from his pastoral visit to the United States of America and Canada, His Holiness Aram I convened the members of the brotherhood to brief them on his visit. He spoke of his contacts with the members of the community, who expressed their respect and appreciation for the Catholicosate’s emphasis on the vocation…
The Representative of His Holiness Aram I Meets with Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus
Upon the recommendation of His Holiness Aram I, during the recent Consultative meeting of the World Council of Churches(WCC), Archbishop Nareg Alemezian met with Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the Archbishop of Cyprus. After transmitting the brotherly salutations of the Catholicos, Archbishop Nareg discussed ways in which they could strengthen the historical ties between the…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia participates in the Orthodox Consultative Meeting organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Cyprus
6-13 October 2016, Archbihsop Nareg Alemezian attended the meeting of the Department of Faith and Order of the WCC, on behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. He was joined by 30 other clergy and lay theologians representing the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox families of Churches in the region. The meeting proposed a statement outlining the…
His Holiness met with the Armenian Youth At the Montreal Armenian Community Centre
His Holiness met with the youth at the Armenian Community Centre. During the event, the youth asked questions to the Pontiff related to religion and science, Christian education, faith and the SIS case, amongst many other questions. SIS has a long-standing historical significance for the Armenians and the restoration of the Church is…
Official banquet in honour of His Holiness Aram I
An official banquet was organized in honour of His Holiness Aram I, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of His enthronement as Catholicos of the Great House of Cicilia. The event took place at the Armenian Community Centre: Hometmen’s Gamk Haig Markarian’s arena. Mr. Mher Karakachian, the master of ceremonies, presented the Pontiff’s more than…
Concert in honour of His Holiness Aram I
In honour of the Catholicos Aram I 20 years of service, a special concert took place at the St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic church. The concert was led by world renowned singer Aline Koutan, pianist Michael McMahon and violinist Van Armenian. Aline Kutan debuted her singing career at the age of 18 at the…
Ecumenical Leaders of Canada Meet with the Pontiff
His Holiness Aram I, began the day with a a gathering with the ecumenical members of the Anglican Church, Antiochian Orthodox Church, Baptist Church, Catholic Church, Evangelical Church, to name a few, at the Armenian Prelacy of Canada on on the morning of October 6, 2016. Prof. Adriana Bara, the Executive Director of the Ecumenical…
HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AT THE PRELACY
On Monday, 3 October, 2016, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I held meetings with community organizations and individuals at the Prelacy, among them the Armenian Bar Association and the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund. The Board of Governors of the Armenian Bar Association congratulated His Holiness on the 20th Anniversary of his consecration as Catholicos…
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENTHRONEMENT OF HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I CELEBRATED WITHIN THE WESTERN PRELACY
http://westernprelacy.org/celebratory-dinner-in-honor-of-his-holiness-catholicos-aram-i/
HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY AND CONVEYS HIS PONTIFICAL MESSAGE AND BLESSINGS AT HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH
On the morning of Sunday, October 2, 2016, “Avedissian” Hall of Ferrahian High School in Encino was filled to capacity as religious and community leaders and members and faithful had gathered for Pontifical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, who was assisted at the altar by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,…
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENTHRONEMENT OF HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I CELEBRATED WITHIN THE WESTERN PRELACY
On the evening of Saturday, October 1, 2016, the official celebration of the 20th anniversary of the election and consecration of His Holiness Aram I as Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia was held at Glendale High School Auditorium. Among the guests in attendance were leaders of Armenian Apostolic, Evangelical and Coptic churches, elected…
CHURCH, SCHOOL, AND FAMILY CONSTITUTE THE FOUNDATION STONES OF OUR ARMENIAN EXISTENCE Stated His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
On Friday, September 30, 2016, the Pontifical visit program on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of enthronement of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I commenced with a youth gathering held at Glendale Civic Auditorium under the auspices of the Western Prelacy and organized by Homenetmen Western US Regional Executive Committee. Over 1,400 youth participated…
“HRASHAPAR” WELCOME FOR HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I AT THE WESTERN PRELACY
On the morning of Friday, September 30, 2016, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I arrived at the Prelacy, accompanied by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, and Brotherhood members. His Holiness and entourage were greeted with “Hrashapar” by members of the Brotherhood serving in the Prelacy and clergy, led by H.E. Archbishop…
H.H. ARAM I MEETS WITH THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF ARMENIA
His Holiness Aram I met with the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, on Thursday 29 September, 2016, in response to the Minister’s invitation in Washington, D.C. Also attending the meeting were Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, Grigor Hovhannissian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States, and Hagop Der Khachadourian, member of…
H.H. Aram I Decorates Mr Aram Hamparian with Knights of Cilicia Insignia
During a special visit to the ANCA offices, on Wednesday 28 September, 2016, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, recognized the ANCA’s leadership in advancing the Armenian Cause, bestowing the Knight of Cilicia medal on Executive Director Aram Hamparian, in honor of the ongoing and tireless work of ANCA leaders,…
His Holiness Aram I Leaves for Canada and the United States of America
27 September 2106. On Tuesday morning, His Holiness Aram I left for North America to preside over celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of his enthronement as Catholicos of Cilicia. Celebrations were postponed last year in order not to conflict with the 2015 commemorations of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The delegation…
Towards a stronger Armenia
The current press release is a summary of the message His Holiness Aram I delivered at the St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral during the Special Prayer Service celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Independence of Armenia, on 20 September 2016. 22 September 2016. After greeting with brotherly love the Presidents of Armenia and Karabagh,…
His Holiness Aram I and the President of Karabagh, Pako Sahakian, honoured by the President of Armenia, Serge Sarkissian
21 September 2016. On Wednesday morning, celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the Independence of Armenia began with a military parade, followed by a meeting of the Armenia-Diaspora Pan Armenian Council. During the opening speech, President Serge Sarkissian addressed His Holiness Aram I and praised his unshakable support of the Republics of Armenia and…
His Holiness Aram I Leaves for Armenia to Attend the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Its Independence
19 September 2016. On Monday evening, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I left for Armenia, in response to the invitation of the President of Armenia, HE Serge Sarkissian, to take part in the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic. Catholicos Aram I is accompanied by Archbishop Sebouh…
“The expansion of extremism is threatening religiously pluralist societies,” His Holiness tells the King of Jordan
7 September 2016. On Wednesday noon the Heads of Churches of the Middle East met with His Royal Highness King Abdullah of Jordan at his palace. After a brief formal reception, the Patriarchs were the guests for lunch of the King. In his welcoming speech, King Abdullah spoke of the significance of holding the…
The Historical Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in Jordan
6 September 2016. The 11th Assembly of the MECC held its opening prayers in Amman with the participation of the Hierarchs of all the member churches, official representatives and ecumenical guests. During the first session, the Assembly heard the messages of the Patriarchs, all of whom spoke of the necessity to strengthen Christian witness in…
His Holiness Aram I Continues to Monitor the Situation of Armenians in Syria
4 September 2016. On Sunday morning His Holiness Aram I met with Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of Peria (Syria). The Archbishop updated the Catholicos on the recent escalation of violence in Aleppo and the organization of humanitarian assistance to the community under siege. Catholicos Aram I praised the commitment of the clergy and…
His Holiness Aram I and His Delegation Attend the General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
5 September 2016. On Monday morning, His Holiness Aram I and his delegation left for Amman to attend the Assembly of the MECC. Catholicos Aram I, who is one of the four Presidents of the Council representing the Oriental Orthodox Family, will be the keynote speaker. He will address the current conflicts in the Middle…
His Holiness Aram I Receives the Former Minister of State Ibrahim Shamseddine
2 September 2016. On Friday, His Holiness Aram I received former Minister of State Ibrahim Shamseddine, the son of deceased President of the Higher Shia Counsel, Imam Mohammed Mehdi Shamseddine, in his office at St Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya.. They exchanged views on the current conflict in the Middle East and issues related to…
His Holiness Aram I appoints Rev Boghos Tinkdjian Dean of the Seminary
1 September 2016. His Holiness Aram I, through a Pontifical Letter appointed Rev Boghos Tinkdian Dean of the Seminary of the Catholicosate. Rev Tinkdjian, is a graduate of Fuller Seminary in Los Angeles with Master of Arts degree in Theology and served as Vice Dean of the Seminary during the 2015-16 school year. Upon…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia at the Global Communication Network Consultation in Armenia
31 August 2016. The Catholicosate of Cilicia was invited to attend the consultation on Global Communication Network held 25-26 August in Yerevan, Armenia. Organized by the Ministry of Diaspora of Armenia and the Yerevan State University, the consultation focused on the following issues: new media, networking and security in Armenia and the Diaspora. Rev…
Summer Weekly Workshops for Clergy on Contemporary Armenian issues in Antelias
26 August 2016. During the weekly summer workshops, the clergy meet to discuss church and society issues affecting Armenians in the homeland and the diaspora. Participants present their research on these issues, providing space for discussion and helping the clergy achieve consensus. His Holiness Aram I moderates the workshops and shares his experience and…
His Holiness Aram I continues consultations on the situation in Syria
Following his meeting with Staffan de Mistura, the UN envoy for Syria, Catholicos Aram I met with representatives of organizations providing humanitarian assistance to the region and urged them to continue their support. His Holiness also met with Ms Teny Pirri-Simonian, President of the Swiss Armenian Foundation: ARMENOFAS. The Catholicos stressed the urgent need to…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia continues consultations on the lawsuit asking the Return of its historic Seat from Turkey
Since his arrival in Geneva, His Holiness Aram I has been consulting with experts regarding the lawsuit asking from Turkey the Return of the historic Seat of the Catholicosate in Sis (Kozan). Discussions have focussed on the recent attempted coup in Turkey and its temporary suspension of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Catholicosate…
His Holiness Aram I Meets with Staffan de Mistura, the UN Mediator in the Syrian Conflict
16 August 2016. On Tuesday afternoon, in Geneva, His Holiness Aram I met Staffan de Mistura, the UN mediator, and his two assistants. Very Rev Housig Mardirossian, Director of the Ecumenical Relations Department, and Ms Teny Simonian, the Ecumenical Representative in Switzerland, also attended the meeting. In response to Catholicos Aram I’s concerns about…
His Holiness Aram I Decorates Mr Anoushavan Nazarian of Kuwait
13 August 2016. On Saturday evening after the Holy Liturgy dedicated to the Feast of St Mary, the Mother of God, in Bikfaya, His Holiness Aram I decorated Mr Anoushavan Nazarian with the ‘Prince of Cilicia’ insignia. Prior to the decoration, the Catholicos spoke of Mr Nazarian’s valuable contribution to the construction of the church…
Armenia, Artzakh (Karabagh) and the People are above everything, Stated His Holiness Aram I
On Saturday 13 August, following the Holy Liturgy of Assumption at St Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya, His Holiness Aram I addressed the community and in the end shared his pain and concern regarding the recent events in Armenia and Karabagh. The following is a brief summary of his speech. According to Catholicos Aram…
Thousands of Pilgrims Celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God at St Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya
On Saturday evening, the pilgrimage to St Mary’s Monastery concluded with the Holy Liturgy, presided by His Holiness Aram I, celebrated by Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, and sung by the “Shenorhali” choir. The pilgrimage was established with the construction of St. Mary’s Chapel in Bikfaya in 1952; over the past four years, under the initiative…
His Holiness Aram I Receives the Participants of the Bible Studies Devoted to the Feast of Assumption of the Mother of God at St Mary’s Monastery
The one-week-long series of Bible Studies organized for women at St Mary’s Monastery by the Christian Education department concluded with a meeting with His Holiness Aram I. Led by the members of the Brotherhood, the participants focused on the theme, “Walking on the Path of the Mother of God”; they studied the Bible and the…
His Holiness Aram I Receives the Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon
5 August 2016. On Friday morning His Holiness Aram I received the Ambassador Samuel Mekertchian in the main Hall of St Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya. After the Ambassador updated His Holiness on the recent events in Armenia, they discussed Armenia-Diaspora relations and the increasing economic ties between Armenia and Lebanon.
The Catholicosate of Cilicia Participates in the 7th Pan-Armenian Education Consultation in Yerevan
On 1 August 2016, the 7th Pan-Armenian Education consultation, organized by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Armenia, was held in Yerevan. The consultation assessed the quality of education in Armenia and the diaspora today and its response to the demands of today’s world. Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese…
His Holiness Aram I Designates August the Month of St Mary
The Feast of the Assumption of St Mary has a special place in the mind and witness of the church and in the life of Armenians. She is always present and is a source of inspiration for spiritual life and renewal for the people. Armenians have consecrated churches in her name, built shrines and organized…
His Holiness Aram I on Pastoral Visit to Syria
28-29 July 2016. During the past five years of the conflict in Syria, the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, with the guidance of His Holiness Aram I, has accompanied the Armenian communities in Syria through prayers and messages, while providing humanitarian assistance and raising funds in the diaspora. All assistance to Armenians in Syria through the…
His Holiness Aram I Chairs the Final Meeting of the Middle East Council of Churches 11th Assembly Planning Committee
26 July 2016. On Tuesday morning, the members of the Assembly Planning Committee, the General Secretary, Rev Dr Michel Jalekh, and the Programme staff of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), met at St Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya to finalize the agenda and review the list of participants. His Holiness Aram I, a President…
His Holiness Aram I visits Birds’ Nest
22 Jul 2016. On Friday morning, His Holiness Aram I visited the Birds’ Nest compound in Byblos, accompanied by Very Rev Housig Mardirossian, Ecumenical Officer and Director of Communications, and Rev Bedros Manuelian, the director of the Audio Visual Department. The visit combined His Holiness’ annual visit to the school-orphanage and the First anniversary of…
His Holiness Aram I Receives a Delegation Representing the Catholic Relief Services
21 July 2016. On Thursday morning, a high-level delegation representing the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) met with His Holiness Aram I at St Mary’s Monastery. After a presentation of the relief activities of CRS in the Middle East, the Catholicos thanked representatives for the CRS’ commitment to support the educational and medico-social programmes of the…
The Ambassador of France Visits His Holiness Aram I
20 July 2016. On Wednesday morning, Catholicos Aram I received Emmanuel Bonne, the French Ambassador to Lebanon at his office at St Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya. Ambassador Bonne was accompanied by the embassy’s political officer. During the two-hour meeting they discussed the Lebanese presidential election, issues related to security in Lebanon, the conflict in…
