Catholicosate News

23 October 2014. On Thursday morning, the Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by the Prelates of Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz, visited the Embassy where he was welcomed by the Ambassador Krikor Arakelian and the Minister for Diaspora Mrs. Hranoush Hagopian. Following the official speeches of the Ambassador and the Minister of Diaspora, His Holiness Aram I…

His Holiness Aram I Meets the Families of Armenian Soldiers Who Died during the Iran-Iraq War

22 October 2014. Upon the invitation of Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, the families of the dead and maimed soldiers and former prisoners of war met with His Holiness Aram I at the prelacy in Tehran. The Archbishop welcomed everyone and praised them all for serving their country. He then assured everyone of the continual accompaniment of…

The Lebanese Ambassador to Iran Holds a Dinner in Honor of His Holiness Aram I

22 October 2014. On Wednesday Ambassador, Fadi al Haj Ali held a dinner in honor of His Holiness Aram I. In addition to the Prelates of the Dioceses of Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz and the representatives of the Diocesan Council, the Ambassador also invited the Ambassadors of Russia, Syria and Palestine, and representatives of the…

His Holiness Aram I Meets the Heads of Christian Communities in Iran

Catholicosate News, Pontifical MessagesBy admin October 24, 2014

23 October 2014. On Thursday afternoon, His Holiness Aram I met with the Heads of Christian Communities in Iran at the Prelacy in Tehran. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian welcomed the guests and informed the Catholicos that they meet often to consult and discuss their problems and plans. He then invited the representatives to introduce their…

“Armenians should remain faithfull to the four highest legacies of our people: The Church, the Nation, the Culture and demanding justice to the memories of the Genocide victims” His Holiness Aram I

23 October 2014. The three day conference concluded with the celebration of the 350th anniversary of the Holy Saviour Monastery, in New Julfa, in the presence of His Holiness Aram I and the Prime Minister of Armenia accompanied by seven Government Ministers. The programme began with the welcome and historical presentation of Mr. Noel…

His Holiness Aram I Inaugurates the Conference Dedicated to the 400 Years of Armenian Presence in New Julfa (Iran)

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 24, 2014

21 October 2014. The conference dedicated to the 400 years of Armenian presence in New Julfa began at the Ararat Community Hall, in the presence of the Governor and Vice Governor of Isfahan, the Head of Religious Affairs, the President of Isfahan University and Professors of Yerevan University (Armenia). In his opening message, His…

The Governor and the Political Leadership of Isfahan Meet with His Holiness Aram I

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 22, 2014

19 October 2014. On Sunday, after the Holy Liturgy, His Holiness Aram I received the Governor of Isfahan, his deputies, the head of religious affairs and the chief of internal security at the Holy Saviour Monastery. This was the first such visit in the centuries-long history of the two peoples. The Governor first thanked Catholicos…

His Holiness Aram I in New Julfa (Isfahan)

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 20, 2014

18 October 2014. On Friday His Holiness Aram I arrived at the St. Holy Saviour Monastery in New Julfa, Iran, where he was welcomed by the community. He was then led in procession with the prelates, the clergy, representatives of the Church committees and community organizations to St. Joseph of Arimathea Church for the canonical…

His Holiness Aram I Meets in Tehran with the Leadership of the Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 19, 2014

18 October 2014.On Saturday morning, His Holiness Aram I met with the representatives of Armenian women’s organizations in the Diocese of Tehran. He praised the Armenian women for their contribution to the Church and their role in the cultural, spiritual, educational and political aspects of community life and encouraged them to continue their community-building task.…

His Holiness Aram I Arrives in Tehran

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 18, 2014

15 October 2014.On Wednesday afternoon, upon his arrival at Tehran airport Catholicos Aram I was met by the Prelates of Tehran Isfahan & Tavriz , the Armenian members of the Iranian Parliament, the Ambassador of Armenia to Iran and the representatives of Diocesan Councils. The Catholicos was then taken to the Cathedral where he…

His Holiness Aram I leaves for a pastoral visit to Iran

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 16, 2014

15 October 2014. On Wednesday, Catholicos Aram I left for Iran on a two-week pastoral visit to the Armenian community in Iran. In Tehran and New Julfa he will visit the churches and schools, and meet with the parish councils and local officials. His Holiness will also preside over religious and cultural activities, which are…

“Middle Eastern Religious Leaders Bear the Historical Responsibility to Promote a Culture of Living Together” Catholicos Aram I

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 14, 2014

11 October 2014. On Saturday, Bishop Shahé Panossian, the Prelate of Lebanon, represented His Holiness Aram I at a conference organized by Adyan, the Lebanese foundation for Interreligious Studies and Spiritual Solidarity, at the Notre Dame Du Puits-Bqennaya. After thanking the organizers for their timely initiative, he read the message of the Catholicos Aram I.…

His Holiness Aram I Receives the Ambassador of Greece to Lebanon

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 13, 2014

10 October 2014. On Friday morning, Dr. Catherina Boura met with His Holiness Aram I. She brought greetings from the Prime Minister and thanked the Catholicos for his recent pastoral visit to Greece, informing him of its positive impact on the Church and the people. The Catholicos thanked the Ambassador for the warm welcome…

His Holiness Aram I Receives the Regional Committee of the Armenian Relief Cross

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 11, 2014

9 October 2014. On Thursday morning, the newly elected committee met with His Holiness Aram I to discuss their programme and ask for his blessings for their projects. After listening to their presentation, the Catholicos thanked and commended them for their project to provide free health care and assistance to the Armenian community in…

His Holiness Aram I Receives the Newly Appointed Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Lebanon

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 9, 2014

3 October 2014. On Tuesday morning, Ambassador Mohammad Fateh Ali visited His Holiness Aram I. His Holiness introduced Ambassador Fateh Ali to the Catholicosate and explained its regional and international mission. The two then discussed the presence of the Armenian community in Iran, and the Ambassador praised the contribution of Armenians to Iranian society. …

His Holiness Aram I Receives Rare Archival Photos of Bird’s Nest Orphanage from Former Orphan Vartan Melkonian

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 8, 2014

On Monday 6 October 2014, Mr Vartan Melkonian, a former orphan of Bird’s Nest and currently living in London, visited Catholicos Aram I. Mr Melkonian presented the Catholicos with a rare collection of photos, taken of the orphans during the time of the Genocide, which he had collected from Denmark and other countries. The photos…

His Holiness Aram I Honors the Choir Master of the St. Vartanantz Church in Istanbul

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 8, 2014

Upon the invitation of the Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Association, the Choir of St. Vartanantz Church came to Lebanon to give a number of concerts. On Sunday 5 October 2014, they sang the Holy Liturgy at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. After the Liturgy, the choir attended the opening ceremony of…

His Holiness Aram I receives the representative of H.H. Baselios MarThoma Paulose II, Syrian Orthodox Church of India

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 6, 2014

On Friday 3 October in the morning, His Holiness Aram I received at the St. Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya, Rev. Abraham Thomas, the Ecumenical Officer of the Malabar Syrian Orthodox Church of India. Rev. Thomas carried a personal letter from Catholicos Baselios MarThoma Paulose II to His Holiness, in which, he expressed his brotherly…

His Holiness Aram I Honors Three Armenian School Teachers in Greece

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 2, 2014

On Monday 29 September 2014, after he was awarded an honorary doctorate at Athens University, His Holiness met the Armenian community of Athens at a dinner organized in his honor by the Diocese. In response to the request of the Diocesan council, His Holiness Aram I decorated Mrs. Shaké Elmasian, Ms. Keghanoush Avsharian and…

His Holiness Aram I Holds Meetings with Greek Officials

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 1, 2014

29 September 2014. In the morning, upon his arrival in Athens, Catholicos Aram I held several meetings in his hotel with Greek officials in the presence of the Prelate and the President of the Church Council. The Catholicos first received Kyriakos Metsotakis, Minister of Development. They discussed issues concerning the Armenian community in Greece.…

His Holiness Aram I Is Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by The University of Athens

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 1, 2014

29 September 2014. His Holiness Aram I was awarded with an honorary doctorate from the University of Athens. In awarding the degree, the Rector of the University, speaking for the Governing Board of the University, praised His Holiness for his leadership role in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue and, referring to his numerous publications, for his…

His Holiness Aram I’s Pastoral Visit to Northern Greece Continues

Catholicosate NewsBy admin October 1, 2014

Catholicos Aram I Presides over the 180th Anniversary Celebration of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Komotini On Sunday 28 September 2014, His Holiness Aram I presided over the Holy Liturgy, which was celebrated by Archbishop Khoren Toghramadjian and chanted by the choir of St. Vartanantz Church in Istanbul. The Church and the courtyard…

His Holiness Aram I in Kavala and Xanthi

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 29, 2014

The small Armenian community in Kavala received His Holiness with great joy at the Holy Cross Church. After the Canonical prayer Mrs. Mannik Asherian, a member of the Church Council, welcomed the Catholicos and said that it was the first time a Catholicos had ever visited the community. She told the guests that Kavala had…

His Holiness Aram I meets Greek Politicians in Thessaloniki

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 29, 2014

On Thursday morning, Catholicos Aram I and his entourage, accompanied by the local leadership of the Armenian community, visited Apostolos Tsitsikostas, the Governor of the Macedonia region. After greeting the guests, the governor spoke of the social and political accomplishments of the region. In his response, the Catholicos complimented the Greek people for their contribution…

His Holiness Aram I and his delegation travel to Northern Greece to visit Thessaloniki and other Towns

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 29, 2014

On Wednesday 24 September, His Holiness Aram I and his entourage, which includes representatives of the community, arrived in Thessaloniki. Rev. Stepannos Pashayan, the priest of the Armenian Church St Mary and the lay leadership of the community welcomed him. The Catholicos and his delegation then visited Metropolitan Anthimos of the Greek Orthodox Church. …

His Holiness Aram I visits the Embassy of Armenia in Greece

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 26, 2014

His Holiness Aram I visited the Embassy of Armenia in Athens and met with Ambassador, Gaguik Ghaladijian. The Catholicos was accompanied by Archbishop Khoren Toghtamadjian, Prelate of Greece, V. Rev. Housig Mardirossian, the Ecumenical Officer, Mr. Ara Mangoyan, President of the Church Council and priest Sempad Saboudjian, the staff bearer. The Catholicos thanked the…

His Holiness Aram I Meets with the Prime Minister of Greece

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 24, 2014

22 September 2014. On the day of his arrival, His Holiness Aram I, his entourage, the Prelate Archbishop Khoren Toghtramadjian, as well as representatives of the Armenian community, met with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. The Catholicos Aram I thanked the Prime Minister for supporting the Armenian cause. He said that the recent decision of…

His Holiness Aram I Condemns the Destruction of the Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Der Zor (Syria)

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 24, 2014

22 September 2014. On Monday, upon his arrival in Athens His Holiness Aram I received the news of the destruction of the Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Der Zor (Syria). The Catholicos said that the destruction of the Church, the Museum and the compound, executed on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the…

His Holiness Aram I Is Welcomed in Athens

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 24, 2014

22 September 2014. Upon his arrival at the Athens Airport, Catholicos Aram I was met by the representative of the Head of the Church of Greece, the Armenian Prelate Archbishop Khoren Toghtakadjian, the representative of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ambassadors of Armenia and Lebanon to Greece, as well as representatives of the…

His Holiness Aram I Explores Legal Options for Actions against Turkey

Armenian Cause, Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 23, 2014

On Friday, 19 September 2014, in his address at the opening session of the Armenia-Diaspora Pan Armenian Conference, His Holiness Aram I said that the 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide urges Armenians to adopt new strategies for the pursuit of their just cause, and that they must move from demanding recognition to legal…

His Holiness Aram I on a Pastoral visit to Greece

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 23, 2014

22 September 2014. His Holiness Aram I has left for a ten-day pastoral visit to Greece, in response to the invitation of the Prelate, Archbishop Khoren Toghramadjian, and the Church Council. During his stay the Catholicos will visit the diocesan churches in the country, meet with the community and take part in special celebrations.…

The Ambassador of Greece to Lebanon meets with His Holiness Aram I

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 22, 2014

On Saturday 20 September 2014, Ambassador Dr. Katerina Boura met with His Holiness Aram I to discuss his forthcoming official visit to Greece and the recent visit of Middle East Patriarchs to Washington. At the end of the meeting, Catholicos Aram I thanked the Ambassador for the 9 September 2014 law adopted by the…

His Holiness Aram I Leaves for Armenia

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 18, 2014

18 September 2014. On Wednesday evening, His Holiness Aram I left for Armenia to attend the Armenia-Diaspora Pan-Armenian meeting. He will be accompanied by the prelates and representatives of the Diocesan Councils of the Holy See of Cilicia. Catholicos Aram I will address the meeting on Friday, 19 September 2014, during the opening session,…

Video -How I See the Future of Christianity in the Middle East His Holiness Aram I

Catholicosate News, Conferences, Pontifical MessagesBy admin September 13, 2014

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His Holiness Aram I Shared the Concerns of the Christians of the Middle East with President Obama on Behalf of the Eastern Patriarchs

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 12, 2014

On Thursday, September 11th, the spiritual leaders of the Middle Eastern Maronite, Armenian, Syrian Orthodox, Greek Catholic and Syrian Catholic churches who had gathered with for a Christian conference in Washington, DC, held an hour long meeting with President Obama; National Security Advisor Susan Rice and other key White House staff also attended the meeting.…

The International Community Should Adopt a Comprehensive Strategy to Defeat the Growing Extremism in the Middle East Stated His Holiness Aram I

Catholicosate News, ConferencesBy admin September 12, 2014

The International Conference on the Crisis in the Middle East concluded its deliberations on Friday, 11 September 2014, with the intervention of the Five Middle East Patriarchs. His Holiness Aram I, who concluded the conference, spoke once more of the urgency for the international community to adopt a comprehensive strategy to respond to the…

How I See the Future of Christianity in the Middle East

Catholicosate News, Conferences, Pontifical MessagesBy admin September 12, 2014

The following text is a summary of the reflections of H.H. Aram I during the International Summit held 9-11 September 2014 in Washington D.C. Christianity is on the verge of disappearing from the Middle East, where, for centuries, it has existed in harmony with Judaism and Islam. As the Arab Spring has morphed into…

VIDEO – Call to Unity: His Holiness Aram I’s Reflections at “In Defense of Christians” Conference

Catholicosate News, Pontifical MessagesBy admin September 12, 2014

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CALL TO UNITY

Catholicosate News, ConferencesBy admin September 11, 2014

The conference on the challenges facing Christianity in the Middle East is in process, in Washington DC. This is the condensed text of the reflection that His Holiness Aram I made at the beginning of the session devoted to “Call to Unity” Call to Unity… Indeed, this is a call of our Lord Jesus…

International Conference on Protecting and Preserving Christianity in the Middle East. Washington D.C. His Holiness Aram I Speaks of the Crisis in the Middle East and the Armenian Genocide

Catholicosate News, ConferencesBy admin September 11, 2014

On Tuesday 9 September 2014, the International Conference on the Crisis in the Middle East, which is taking place in Washington DC, began its deliberations. Five hundred persons participated, including high-ranking Clergy, U.S. Senators and Congressmen, Deputies, Representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations and the Press. At the press conference preceding the main conference, His Holiness…

Christian Unity is imperative in the Middle East, States Catholicos Aram I

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 10, 2014

On the first day of the International Conference on Christians in the Middle East, His Holiness Aram I addressed the theme of church unity. In his presentation he spoke of the theological foundations of church unity, he addressed the question of why Christian unity is indispensable for the churches in the Middle East and he…

His Holiness Aram I takes part in the International Conference on the Middle East in Washington DC

Catholicosate News, ConferencesBy admin September 9, 2014

September 9, 2014. His Holiness Aram I is currently in Washington to address the International Conference on Christians in the Middle East. He will address the Conference on two occasions. First he will discuss the theme of Christian Unity and, second, he will share his reflections on the future of Christianity in the Middle East.…

“Our Christian faith as Armenians is the source of our strength as a Nation,” Said Catholicos Aram I in his message to the faithful in Washington

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 9, 2014

On Sunday 7 September 2014, his Holiness Aram I presided over the Holy Liturgy and addressed the faithful at the Church of the Holy Cross in Washington DC. Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Orthodox Church of America, celebrated the Liturgy after welcoming His Holiness and explaining the purpose of his…

His Holiness Aram I meets with the Heads of the Middle East Churches

Catholicosate NewsBy admin September 1, 2014

On Wednesday 27 August, the Heads of Middle East Churches met at the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke (Lebanon). His Holiness Aram I joined the meeting, accompanied by Bishop Shahé Panossian and Rt. Rev. Housig Mardirossian, the ecumenical officer. The participants met to further consider items they had discussed at the recent visit of the…

His Holiness Aram I Expresses His Condolences to Pope Francis upon the Loss of His Family Members

Catholicosate NewsBy admin August 23, 2014

On Thursday 21 August 2014, His Holiness Aram I sent a letter of condolence to Pope Francis expressing his profound sadness on the death of three members of his family, following a car crash on a provincial highway in Argentina.

“Christians will Remain in the Middle East Irrespective of the Conflicts” says Catholicos Aram I

Catholicosate NewsBy admin August 21, 2014

On Monday 18 August 2014, a delegation representing the Churches in Sweden met with His Holiness Aram I at St. Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya. The delegation is meetng with the Heads of Churches in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq in order to assess the situation of victims in the Middle East. Their Churches are providing…

Thousands of Faithful Celebrate the Holy Feast of Assumption of the Mother of God

Catholicosate NewsBy admin August 21, 2014

On Saturday evening, 16 August, His Holiness Aram I presided over theHoly Liturgy celebrated in the open air by the Prelate of Lebanon, Bishop Shahe Panossian, and sung by the “Shenorhali” choir of the Catholicosate. On the Feast of Assumption, the Armenian Church also blesses grapes, the fruit of the vine. Sixty two years…

LIVE TELEVISION BROADCAST VIA SATELLITE – AUGUST 16th, 2014

Catholicosate NewsBy admin August 15, 2014

On the occasion of the feast of St. Mary’s 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 16, 2014 at 5:00 pm To watch live via internet click here: http://www.noursat.tv/ar/receive-us.php?chid=2 For…

The Anglican Communion-Oriental Orthodox Dialogue International Commission Meets at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias (Lebanon)

Catholicosate NewsBy admin August 9, 2014

On 6 August 2014, His Holiness Aram I met with the Officers of the Commission: Co-Presidents Archbishop Geoffrey Rowell and Metropolitan Bishoy, and Co-Secretaries Archbishop Nareg Alemezian and Rev. Canon Dr. Alyson Barnett-Cowan; the Ecumenical Officer, Rt. Rev. Housig Mardirossian, also attended. The Co-Presidents briefed Catholicos Aram I on the outcomes of their two-day…

His Holiness Aram I Receives the Representatives of the Coptic and Syriac Orthodox Patriarchs

Catholicosate NewsBy admin August 9, 2014

On Tuesday 5 August 2014, Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette, Coptic Orthodox Church, and Metropolitan George Saliba of Mount Lebanon, Syriac Orthodox Church, met with His Holiness Aram I in Bikfaya at his summer residence. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, the Pontifical Vicar of the Diocese of Cyprus, and Rt. Rev. Housig Mardirossian, the Ecumenical Officer, were also…

HASK June – July 2014

Catholicosate News, HASKBy admin August 5, 2014

HASK June – July read here

His Holiness Aram I receives the newly elected Committee of the Armenian Church University Students Association (ACUSA)

Catholicosate News, YouthBy admin August 4, 2014

Following the ACUSA Assembly held on the 26 July 2014, the new committee met with His Holiness Aram I to report on the Assembly and ask for his blessings. The Committee was accompanied by its newly appointed spiritual advisor, Rev.Nishan Lakhoyan. Catholicos Aram I first of all praised the association members for their enthusiasm…

Youth are the life force of our Church and People

Catholicosate News, YouthBy admin August 4, 2014

24 July 2014. On Wednesday evening the Youth Committee of the Catholicosate, accompanied by Rev Barouyr Shernezian, director of the Youth Department, met with His Holiness Aram I. The committee presented its activity report and the findings of the survey they had carried out with its 50 members. The purpose of the survey was…

His Holiness Aram I monitors the Humanitarian Assistance and Rehabilitation Programmes for Armenians in Syria

Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of Peria (Syria) recently arrived in Antelias to brief His Holiness Aram I on the situation of Armenians in Aleppo, Damascus, Jezireh, Lattakia and Kessab. He also informed the Catholicos on the provision of humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation efforts. The Catholicos expressed his appreciation to the work of…

His Holiness Aram I and His Holiness Ignatius Aphram II Patriarch Meet in Bikfaya

24 July 2014. Catholicos Aram I and Patriarch Ignatius Aphram II of the Syriac Orthodox Church met in Bikfaya, at the Summer Residence of the Catholicosate. V. Rev. Paren Vartanian, and the Dean of the Seminary, Rev. Torkom Donoyan, were also present. The two spiritual leaders discussed the situation of Christians in Syria and Iraq,…

His Holiness Aram I announces appointments of clergy to new positions

26 July 2014. On Friday, His Holiness Aram I announced the following new appointments: 1. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Pontifical Vicar, Diocese of Cyprus. 2. Very Rev. Housig Mardirossian, Director, Office of Ecumenical Relations and Head of the office of Communication. 3. Rev. Torkom Donoyan, Dean, of Theological Seminary. 4. Very Rev. Paren Vartanian Grand Sacristan,…

Honorable Jason Kenny Canadian Minister of Multiculturalism meets with His Holiness Aram I

28 July 2014. On Monday Hon. Jason Kenny and his delegation met with His Holiness Aram I. Rt. Rev. Housig Mardirossian, the Ecumenical Relations officer, was also present. The Minister is in the region on a special mission to assess the political situation and discuss the problems of Christian communities in the region. The Minister…

The Prelate of Peria (Syria), briefs His Holiness Aram I on his pastoral visit

30 July 2014. As reported last week, Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, accompanied by clergy and the lay leadership of the community in Syria, visited the coastal towns where many families have sought refuge from the internal fighting. The Archbishop celebrated the liturgy in Tartous, Banias and Safita, organized meetings with the community, registered the displaced families…

His Holiness Aram I is invited to attend an Ecumenical Justice and Peace Conference to be held in Seoul, South Korea

Catholicosate NewsBy admin July 19, 2014

On Tuesday His Holiness Aram I received a delegation from South Korea. The newly appointed Ecumenical Officer, V. Rev. Housig Mardirossian also attended the meeting. The delegation invited the Catholicos to the international conference on justice and peace they are organizing in Seoul. The Catholicos welcomed the guests and their plan for the conference and…

Meetings of His Holiness Aram I at his Summer Residence in Bikfaya

During the week Catholicos Aram I held several meeting with religious and political personalities. Jean-Louis Kordahi, a former member of the Lebanese government, met with him to discuss projects related to the property of the Catholicosate in Byblos and issues linked to the postponement of presidential elections in Lebanon. Archbishop Rafael Minassian, Prelate of the…

Khatchik Babikian Foundation 2014 Graduation in Armenian Studies and Distribution of Inter-School Competition Awards

Catholicosate NewsBy admin July 11, 2014

On Sunday 06 July 2014, following the Holy Liturgy, His Holiness Aram I presided over the ceremony held at the Main Hall of the Catholicosate. The ceremony recognized the winners of the inter-school competition in Armenian language and culture and the successful graduates of the two-year intensive course in Western Armenian language and culture. …

The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches begins its Post-10th Assembly deliberations

Catholicosate NewsBy admin July 10, 2014

2 July 2014. The representatives of the two Holy Sees of the Armenian Orthodox Church (the Holy See of Cilicia and the Holy See of Etchmiadzin) are participating in the meetings of the Central Committee. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Director of Ecumenical Relations, and Ms Teny Simonian, Ecumenical Representative in Europe, are representing the Holy…

Visitors and Meetings with His Holiness Aram I

Catholicosate NewsBy admin July 8, 2014

On Wednesday 2 July 2014, the Chairperson of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, the Committee of Founders, former member of Parliament, Hagop Kassardjian, and Michael Vahejian, Chairperson of the Lebanon Branch of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Ramgavar, visited His Holiness Aram I to congratulate him and present their good wishes on the 19th anniversary celebration…

Representatives of the Catholicosate of Cilicia will attend the meetings of the Governing Bodies of the World Council of Churches (WCC)

Catholicosate NewsBy admin July 2, 2014

The Central Committee of the WCC will meet in Geneva 2-8 July 2014. This is the first meeting of the Committee that was elected during the 10th Assembly in Busan South Korea in 2013. It will adopt the post-Assembly vision statement and set priorities for the next seven years. The Executive Committee will meet on…

His Holiness Aram I receives the General Secretary of the Middle East Council of churches (MECC)

Catholicosate NewsBy admin July 2, 2014

On Sunday 29 June 2014 MECC General Secretary, Dr Michel Jalkh, met with his Holiness Aram I in his office. As one of the Presidents of the Council, the Catholicos was briefed by Dr Jalkh on the activities of the MECC and on the recent ecumenical meeting with partners held in Amman Jordan. Following…

His Holiness Aram I receives Ignatius Aphrem II, the new Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, and his delegation

Catholicosate NewsBy admin July 1, 2014

On Saturday 26 June, H.B Ignatius Aphrem II made an official visit to the Catholicosate of Cilicia and met with H.H. Catholicos Aram I. After canonical prayers at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, His Holiness the Patriarch and the accompanying delegation moved to the Main Hall of the Catholicosate, where Catholicos Aram I…

Thanksgiving Prayers to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the Election of His Holiness Aram I as Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia

Catholicosate NewsBy admin July 1, 2014

On Sunday 26 June, the liturgy was devoted to the celebration of the 19th anniversary celebration of the election of His Holiness Aram I as Catholicos. During the thanksgiving prayers priests read Biblical passages and special prayers wishing health to the Catholicos and long-lasting presence of the Catholicosate among the Armenian people. At the…

His Holiness Aram I Receives Students from Europe and the United States of America majoring in Middle East Studies

26 June 2014. On Thursday 25 students from Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America majoring in Middle East Studies and accompanied by their professors met with His Holiness Aram I in Antelias. Catholicos Aram I introduced them to the Armenian Orthodox Church and spoke of the Christian presence in the…

Renovations and New Construction Projects in Bikfaya in Prepartion of the 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

A committee of architects and engineers nominated by His Holiness Aram I have been working on transforming the monastery in Bikfaya to receive the pilgrims, who, in 2015, will come from the diaspora to join the commemorative events. The area around the Genocide monument is being expanded and new monuments are being erected to recall…

The Leadership of the Social Democrat Henchak Party meet with His Holiness Aram I

On 19 June 2014, a delegation led by the President of the Central Committee of the party, Hagop Tikranian, and the Vice- President and Lebanese Member of the Lebanese Parliament, Sebouh Kalpakian, met with Catholicos Aram I in his office in Antelias. They discussed issues related to the Armenian community in Lebanon and the forthcoming…

The Representative of Maronite Patriarch and the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon Assess the Vatican visit with His Holiness Aram I