Pontifical Messages

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S MESSAGE ON THE YEAR OF HUMAN RESOURCES PREPARATION WAS READ IN ANTELIAS DURING THE DIVINE LITURGY

In 2003, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I initiated a tradition of dedicating each year to a significant aspect of our collective lives. This year, the Catholicos has declared it the “Year of Human Resources Preparation.” On Sunday, January 14th, 2024, during the Divine Liturgy presided over by Catholicos Aram I, HE Arch. Shahan Sarkissian read…

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I DECLARES 2020 THE YEAR OF ARMENIANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

From the Monastery of Antelias of the Great House of Cilicia, we greet with pontifical blessing, warm Christian love and intense patriotism the World General Assembly, the Religious and Lay Councils of the Central Executive Council, the Prelates, the ecclesiastical class, the community leaders and our beloved people.   With deep satisfaction, we note that…

The Feast of Holy Translators and the 88th Opening of the School Year of the Armenian Theological Seminar

On Sunday, October 15, 2017, His Holiness Aram I presided over the Holy Liturgy in the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia. The Holy Liturgy was celebrated by the Dean of the Armenian Theological Seminary Very Rev. Boghos Tinkjian and was dedicated to the feast of Holy Translators.   Following the Divine Liturgy, the…

“Believing in and remaining committed to the Armenian Cause, is the message of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,”             Aram I

  26 May 2015. On Tuesday evening, His Holiness Aram I and his delegation arrived at the All Saints Church in Chicago, where Rev. Sahakian, the parish priest, members of the church council, the scouts and the faithful greeted him. After the blessing of the salt and the bread, the Catholicos and his delegation entered…

“The Church flourishes with its faithful who in turn are empowered by witnessing for their faith,” Aram I

  19 May 2015. On Tuesday evening, following a series of meetings during the day, His Holiness Aram I visited the St. Sarkis Church, accompanied by the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Vicar General Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian and the other members of the delegation. Rev. Nareg Terterian and ecumenical guests welcomed the Catholicos, who, after blessing…

His Holiness Aram I celebrates the Holy Liturgy at St. Gregory Illuminator Cathedral in New York

17 May 2015. On Sunday morning His Holiness Aram I celebrated the Holy Liturgy and preached the sermon. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, and Bishop Meghrik Parikian, Prelate of Canada, served the Catholicos on the altar. Mr Zohrab Menatsakanian, the representative of the Republic of Armenia at the United Nations, was also…

His Holiness Aram I visits the Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States of America (USA)

11 May 2015. On Monday morning, Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by his delegation, visited the Lebanese Embassy in Washington and met with Ambassador Antoine Chedid. His Holiness thanked the Ambassador for receiving him at the airport. They discussed the situation in the Middle East and particularly in Lebanon. The Ambassador informed him of his work…

PONTIFICAL ENCYCLICAL BY HIS HOLINESS ARAM I DEDICATED TO THE CENTENARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

2015 is not just another year. As the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, it carries a special meaning, a special message and a special purpose. Every Armenian and the entire nation should reflect on the unique significance and special importance of the occasion. The Armenian Genocide has left its permanent scar on the common…

“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…

“Armenians do not want sympathy or mercy from the Turkish authorities; they demand the recognition of the Genocide and Reparations,” Said His Holiness Aram I

24 April 2014. On Thursday, following the Holy Liturgy at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, the faithful attended the requiem service in memory of the martyrs in front of the Memorial Chapel.   His Holiness Aram I presided over the service and, addressing the people, he delivered the following message:   The…

We shall overcome the current crisis in Kessab through our unity in faith and solidarity as a community, Said His Holiness Aram I

26 March 2014. On Wednesday Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by clergy and the seminary students, attended the Lenten Sunrise Service (Arevakal) at the St. Nishan Church in Beirut upon the invitation of the Prelate and the Church Council.   After giving thanks for the invitation, Catholicos Aram I addressed the faithful, quoting the Biblical text…

“The Revival of the Armenian Community in Syria is a priority for All Armenians,” States His Holiness Aram I in His Christmas Message

On Monday 6 January His Holiness Aram I celebrated the Holy Liturgy and gave his Christmas message to the faithful at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. His Holiness stressed the theme of peace, following the message of Jesus the Prince of Peace in his parables and his blessing of the peacemakers. The Catholicos remarked that…

Article by His Holiness Aram I published in the 24 April 2009 issue of L’Orient le Jour

LA VÉRITÉ EFFRAIE MAIS RECONCILIE   S.S. Catholicos Aram I   La vérité est une valeur sacrée. Cette affirmation constitue le  dénominateur commun de multiples conceptions, définitions et formulations de la vérité.   La vérité est le fondement de la société et gouverne toutes les structures et dimensions, manifestations et relations de la vie humaine.…

2009: Year of the Youth

ARMENIAN CATHOLICOSATE OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA   YEAR OF THE YOUTH 2009   MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I, CATHOLICOS OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA ANTELIAS   To the Diocesan Prelates, Clergymen, National Authorities, And the Armenian Faithful Of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia   On the threshold of…

2008: Year of Christian Education

2008 “YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION”   PONTIFICAL MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I   To the Diocesan Prelates, Clergymen, National Representative Assemblies, and the Armenian Faithful of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia   On the threshold of the year 2008, we greet you with pontifical blessing and warm Christian love from the…

A Message from His Holiness Aram I to the Fourth Annual Session of the World Public Forum – “Dialogue of Civilizations”, September 27-October 1, 2006, Rhodes, Greece

A MESSAGE FROM HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE FOURTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE WORLD PUBLIC FORUM “DIALOGUE OF CIVILIZATIONS” (September 27-October 1, 2006, Rhodes, Greece)   I warmly welcome the Fourth Annual Meeting of the World Public Forum “Dialogue  of  Civilizations”.  You  are  meeting  once  again  to  address  issues  and challenges of common concern.…

The Message of His Holiness Aram I addressed to the Inter-religious conference organized by the Russian Orthodox Church, 3–5 July 2006, Moscow

THE MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I ADDRESSED TO THE INTER-RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 3–5 July 2006, Moscow   I would like to express my warm thanks to His Holiness Alexy II, for inviting me to this important gathering of high ranking representatives of the living faiths of the world. Due…

The concluding remarks of His Holiness Aram I at the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches on 23rd February 2006, Porte Alegre, Brazil

Is Another World Possible?   These are the concluding remarks of His Holiness Aram I at the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches on 23rd February 2006,  Porte Alegre, Brazil.   “God, in your grace, transform the world”.   With these words, in this Assembly, we prayed and hoped, we reflected and acted.…

The text of a lecture delivered by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia and Moderator of the Central and Executive Committees of the World Council of Churches, at the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches, held on Thursday 17 November 2005, at the Ecumenical Center, Geneva

FROM REFLECTION TO RECEPTION CHALLENGES FACING THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH-WCC COLLABORATION   His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia Moderator of the Central Committee   World Council of Churches   As we,  representatives of  the  World Council of  Churches (WCC) and  the  Roman Catholic Church, embark on a process of reflecting together on the future…

The text of the message that His Holiness Catholicos Aram I delivered on Sunday, 24th April, 2005 in Deir Zor (Syria), on the occasion of the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

Recognition and Compensation The Way to Reconciliation   Once again, I have come as a pilgrim to Deir Zor, to this sacred place imbued with the blood and faith of the Armenian martyrs. For the Armenian people Deir Zor is not merely geographical place or just a reminder of a tragedy pertaining to history. Deir…

The French version of the message that His Holiness Catholicos Aram I delivered on Sunday, 24th April, 2005 in Deir Zor (Syria) on the occasion of the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

CONFESSION ET JUSTICE : LA VOIE DE LA RECONCILIATION   Par Sa Sainteté Le Catholicos ARAM I   Dans le monde fragmenté d’aujourd’hui, la réconciliation revêt une importance majeure et doit constituer une  priorité pour la Communauté Internationale. Dans la reconstruction d’un monde meilleur, plusieurs génocides impunis ainsi que maintes conflits et questions relevant des…

The report of His Holiness Aram I, given to the Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches, Geneva – 14-22 February, 2005

HEALING EMPOWERING, TRANSFORMING AND RECONCILING ACT OF THE CHURCH   The dawn of the 21st century is marked by growing uncertainty and anxiety. The world in which we live is broken, a world dominated by evil forces that are generating a culture of violence and hopelessness. The signs of the times are clear: the AIDS…

Encyclical of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia on the occasion of the 1600th Anniversary of the invention of the Armenian Alphabet

ENCYCLICAL OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I, CATHOLICOS OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 1600TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVENTION OF THE ARMENIAN ALPHABET   ARAM Servant of Jesus Christ and, by the will of the incomprehensible God and by the selection of our Nation, Chief Bishop and Catholicos of the Great…

Ecumenism in Process of transformation – problems, challenges and prospects – Consultation on ecumenism in the 21st century, Switzerland, 30 November 2004

 ECUMENISM  IN PROCESS  OF TRANSFORMATION Problems, challenges and prospects    His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia    Moderator of the Central Committee Of the World Council of Churches   Consultation on Ecumenism in the 21st Century Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland   30 November 2004 ECUMENISM  IN PROCESS  OF TRANSFORMATION Problems, challenges and prospects   The repercussions…

The summary of the message of His Holiness Aram I given to the International Conference on “Genocide, Impunity and Justice”, organized by the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, 22-23 April 2004, in Antelias, Lebanon

Impunity perpetrates injustice   This Conference on “Genocide, Impunity and Justice” organized by the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, will undoubtedly bring a particular contribution to the Armenian Church’s engagement in the promotion of justice, peace and human rights.   The 20th century was an age of genocides. With the Declaration of Human Rights in 1948…

The text of the message of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia delivered to the Thanksgiving Worship on Sunday 18 April, 2004 in the stadium of Kigali, Rwanda

THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF RWANDA   His Holiness Aram I   As we come together in this stadium let us say together “glory be to God”, because He has brought us together as one people of God. Let us say together, “glory be to God”, because there is hope for Africa.…

The text of a lecture given to the International Conference on “Lasting peace in Africa”, April 17-18, 2004, in Kigali, Rwanda

GENOCIDES IN THE 20THE CENTURY AND LESSONS TO HUMANITY (A Brief Reflection)   His Holiness Aram I   The 20th Century was an age of genocides, and the list is depressingly long: Armenians, Jews, Cambodians, Kurds, Tutsis, Croats, Muslims, Albanians. The international community was always slow to respond to these mass killings, and in some…

The text of the address delivered by His Holiness Aram I at the opening session of the International Ecumenical Consultation on “Reconfiguration of the Ecumenical Movement for the 21st Century” taking place at the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, from 17 to 20 November, 2003

 TOWARDS THE NEW ECUMENICAL CONFIGURATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY   It is a profound spiritual joy to greet you in this center of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia. Since its formation late in the first century and its in- stitutionalization at the beginning of the fourth century, the Armenian Orthodox Church, with  its  theological broadmindedness,…

The text of the annual report of His Holiness Aram I presented to the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches on Tuesday 26 August 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland

Complexities of the world urge religions to move from co-existing to acting together   His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia   This is the text of the annual report of His Holiness Aram I presented to the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches on Tuesday 26 August 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland. His…

Prières de faire paraître le texte de l’intervention de Sa Sainteté Aram I lors du colloque PRO ARMENIA organisé à Paris les vendredi 31 janvier, samedi 1er et dimanche 2 février 2003

L’Arménie et la Nation Arménienne au carrefour des nations et des cultures   C’est une grande joie pour moi de vous saluer dans l’esprit de fraternité et d’amour chrétiens. Vous êtes assemblés au Sénat, un des bastions de la haute politique française, afin de débattre ensemble des soucis et des perspectives concernant le présent et…

Introductory remarks of His Holiness Aram I – International Conference on “Christians and Muslims in Dialogue and Beyond” Geneva, October 16-18, 2002

CHALLENGES FACING CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE Introductory Remarks   It is a great pleasure and special joy to welcome you to the Ecumenical Center. The World Council of Churches is a global fellowship of churches, which, through common reflection and action, calls the churches to closer collaboration and common witness aimed at the visible unity of the…

World Council of Churches Central Committee – Report of the Moderator – Geneva, Switzerland – 26 August–3 September 2002

WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES CENTRAL COMMITTEE Geneva, Switzerland 26 August – 3 September 2002   REPORT OF THE MODERATOR   1. The World Council of Churches was mandated by its 8th Assembly to take up the challenge of globalization as a central part of its agenda. In taking up this challenge, the Council has focused…

The text of the keynote address of His Holiness Aram I addressed to the interfaith meeting organized by the European Commission in Brussels, 19-20 December, 2001

FROM CO-EXISTING TO LIVING TOGETHER (Some observations)   1) Pluralism is a salient feature of modern society. East and West, North and South are no longer sharply divided in terms of religion, culture and economy. Boundaries have disappeared. Walls have been destroyed. Pluralism, coupled with globalization, imposes a way of life that is marked by…

The text of the message of His Holiness Aram I addressed to the International Conference on the Global Preservation of Sacred Sites, 9-12 November 2001, Taipei, Taiwan

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE GLOBAL PRESERVATION OF SACRED SITES   November 9–11, 2001 Taipei, Taiwan   I send to you my greetings  in the spirit of the unity of humankind from the headquarters of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia of the Armenian Church, in Antelias, Lebanon. I also greet the Venerable Dharma Master Hsin Tao,…

The text of the message of His Holiness Aram I addressed to the International conference of United Nations on racism, which took place from 28th September 2001 Durban, South Africa

 INTOLERANCE: AN EVIL THAT MUST BE ERADICATED   HIS HOLINESS ARAM I   This Is the text of the message of His Holiness Aram I addresses to the International conference of United Nations, on racism which will take place from 28-7th September 2001 Durban, South Africa. This message of His Holiness was written upon the…

The message of His Holiness Aram I on the occasion of the blessing of the Holy Chrism. Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias, May 26, 2001

THE HOLY MURON: A SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL   O Holy Church, be joyful, because today the earth becomes heaven with your renewal.   These simple yet mighty words of the hymn once more echo in our hearts on this unique spiritual moment in the life of the Armenian Orthodox Church.   “Be joyful” Armenian…