HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I MET WITH THE PILGRIMS AT BIKFAYA AND GAVE HIS PONTIFICAL BLESSING

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…

A YOUTH GATHERING IN BIKFAYA: “THE ARMENIAN DIASPORA YOUTH: TODAY AND TOMORROW”

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…

CHAIR OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE RAMGAVAR PARTY VISITS ANTELIAS

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,…

BLESSING OF HOLY MURON TAKES PLACE IN ANTELIAS; HIS HOLINESS EMPHASIZES THE NEED TO UNITE AROUND ONE NATION AND ONE HOMELAND

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…

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

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 NEWLY-ELECTED CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE HAMAZKAYIN VISITS HIS HOLINESS

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…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR THE CHRISTIAN UNITY STUDY VISIT PROGRAM IN THE VATICAN

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…

ORDINATION OF DEACONS IN ANTELIAS

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…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE “ONE COMMON HOME, LEBANON OF HOPE” CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY CARITAS LEBANON YOUTH

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.…

THE NEWLY ELECTED ACUSA COMMITTEE VISIT HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I TO RECEIVE HIS BLESSINGS

    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…

THE ARMENOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT GRADUATION CEREMONY

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…

THE HUNGARIAN AMBASSADOR VISITS ANTELIAS

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,…

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION MARKING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENTHRONEMENT OF HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I IS LAUNCHED

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…

THE ARMENIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PARTICIPATES IN THE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTES IN THE MIDDLE EAST (ATIME) HELD IN EGYPT

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…

THE 104TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND THE NAME DAY OF HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I MARKED AT THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA IN ANTELIAS

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,…

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE RUSSIAN AND THE ARMENIAN AMBASSADORS TO LEBANON RESPECTIVELY

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…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE INTER-ORTHODOX PRE-ASSEMBLY CONSULTATION

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.  

ZAREH SINANYAN VISITS THE CATHOLICOS

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 FROM THE ADL PARTY (RAMGAVAR) IN LEBANON VISITS ANTELIAS

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…

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVED THE PRESIDENT OF THE THE LEBANESE NATIONAL LIBERAL PARTY

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 THE CHAIR OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE ARMENIAN DEMOCRATIC LIBERAL PARTY (ADL)

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…

THE “SHNORHALI” CHOIR COMMEMORATED THE 107TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WITH A CONCERT OF NATIONAL SONGS

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.…

APRIL 24 IS COMMEMORATED AT THE HOLY SEE IN ANTELIAS

“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…

A MEETING BETWEEN HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I AND HIS BEATITUDE PATRIARCH RAPHAEL BEDROS XXI

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…

HIS HOLINESS RECEIVES THE ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR TO LEBANON AND THE FORMER LEBANESE AMBASSADOR TO THE USA RESPECTIVELY

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…

TALENTED YOUTH FROM ARTSAKH IN ANTELIAS

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,…

THE FEAST OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR’S DECENT INTO THE PIT (KHOR VIRAB) AND CATHOLICOSATE’S PILGRIMAGE DAY MARKED IN ANTELIAS

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…

VESPER DEDICATED TO THE FEAST OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR’S DESCENT INTO THE PIT AND ANTELIAS PILGRIMAGE DAY

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…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S VISITORS

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…

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MARKS TEACHERS’ DAY BY MAKING A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO TEACHERS OF ARMENIAN SCHOOLS IN LEBANON AND SYRIA

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 HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES AT A SYMPOSIUM AS PART OF THE FAJR CULTURAL DAYS

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,…

FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT

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 ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

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…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

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…

AT THE MEETING WITH ARCHBISHOP GALLAGHER, HIS HOLINESS PROPOSED A MEETING OF CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM SPIRITUAL LEADERS IN THE VATICAN

On Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, met at the Maronite patriarchate in Bkerki.   They reviewed the result of the Vatican meeting between the Lebanese Christian leaders held last year on July 1st and its outcome. Archbishop Gallagher offered…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I PRESIDED OVER THE MEETINGS OF THE NEWLY APPOINTED COMMITTEES OF THE ARMENOLOGICAL CENTER AND THE KHATCHER KALOUSDIAN PEDAGOGICAL CENTER

With the Committee members of the Armenological Center: Arch. Shahan Sarkissian, Mr. Dikran Jinbashian and Mr. Shahan Kandaharian, Aram I discussed the possibility of opening online sessions for students living abroad, as well as receiving accreditation from the Lebanese Government through cooperation with the Khatcher Kalousdian Pedagogical Center, given the Center’s significant role in the…

THE NEWLY ELECTED COMMITTEES OF THE ARMENIAN RELIEF CROSS OF LEBANON AND HOMENETMEN LEBANON VISIT HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

On Thursday, January 27th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received respectively the newly elected committees of the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon (ARCL) and Homenetmen­ Lebanon.   The ARCL committee was headed by Nelly Vekilian, representative of the Central Committee of the Armenian Relief Society and Silva Sabounjian, chair of the ARCL committee. They…

THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION BODY OF THE HAMAZKAYIN REGIONAL COMMITTEE OF LEBANON VISITS HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On Saturday, January 22nd, 2022, the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Body of the Hamazkayin Regional Committee of Lebanon visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and presented the outline of their events asking for His Holiness’ blessing, who welcomed their initiative and commended their efforts.   It is noteworthy to mention that the Commemoration Committee will shed…

THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRAT HUNCHAG PARTY VISITED HIS HOLINESS

A delegation representing the Social Democrat Hunchag Party, headed by the chair of the Central Committee of the Party Dr. Hampig Sarafian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I on Monday, January 24th, 2022.   In attendance were also Alexan Keoshgerian–member of the Central Committee, Vanig Dakessian–representative of the Lebanon Regional Committee, and Aram Malian–chair of…

A CILICIAN BROTHERHOOD GATHERING

On Monday, January 24th, 2022, a gathering of the Cilician Brotherhood residing in Antelias was held in the main hall of the Catholicosate in Antelias, presided by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.   During the gathering, His Holiness informed the brotherhood on the activities and events to take place within the proclamation of 2022 as…

THE EDUCATION MINISTER IN LEBANON VISITED HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On Thursday, January 20th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Abbas Halabi, Education Minister of Lebanon, and discussed matters concerning the projects of the Ministry of Education.   The meeting was also an opportunity to reflect on the current development of Christian-Islamic dialogue, given that His Holiness has met Minister Halabi within the inter-religious…

MEETINGS OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

On Wednesday, January 19th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Dr. Joe Salloum, president of the Lebanese Pharmacists syndicate. The aim of the visit was to ask His Holiness’ opinion on the methods of implementation of the medicine cards that will be provided to the citizen.   His Holiness also received Roger Edde, president…

THE LEBANON REGIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE ARMENIAN LIBERAL PARTY VISIT HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

The Lebanon Regional Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar Party) headed by Sevag Hagopian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Saturday, January 15th, 2022.   During the meeting they touched upon the situation in Lebanon, as well as Armenia-Diaspora relations and the activities related to the “Year of the Diaspora” proclaimed by…

THE FEAST OF NATIVITY AND THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST MARKED IN ANTELIAS

The Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ was marked at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias on Thursday, January 6th, 2022. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the pontifical sermon. Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian and Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian served at the altar alongside the Catholicos, while…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I DECORATES DR. HRAYR JEBEJIAN WITH THE “ST. MESROB MASHDOTS” INSIGNIA

Following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 19th, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I decorated Dr. Hrayr Jebejian —writer and General Secretary of the Bible Society in the Gulf— with the “St. Mesrob Mashdots” Insignia, at the Main Hall of the Catholicosate, in Antelias.   The welcoming remarks were addressed by the director of the Armenological…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARY COUNCIL

The Commission on World Mission and Evangelism 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 work…

THE RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE CONVENES IN ANTELIAS

Presided by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, On Wednesday, December 1st, 2021, the Religious Council of the Central Committee convened, chaired by H.E. Arch. Oshagan Choloyan and H.E. Arch. Nareg Alemezian.   The key discussions revolved around the Theological Seminary, Christian education, social services, ecumenical and inter-religious relations, rites and rituals, translation of the Bible…

A CILICIAN BROTHERHOOD GATHERING IN ANTELIAS PRESIDED BY HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On Tuesday, November 30th, 2021, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Cilician Brotherhood gathering held in Antelias.   After welcoming the prelates, who had arrived to Antelias to participate in the meetings of the Religious and Lay Councils of the Central Council convening in the coming days, the Catholicos addressed  matters concerning the…