In a message sent to His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, and delegates of the parishes, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I blesses the National Representative Assembly that convenes on May 18-20 in Providence, RI.
In his letter, the Catholicos urges the meeting to embrace change in an effective manner to meet the challenges a world in rapid transformation poses to the church and society at large.
“We live in changing times,” His Holiness said. “Therefore, the mission of the church must keep pace with the priorities and needs in the present circumstances.”
He also outlines the objectives of his pontifical visit to the parishes of the Eastern Prelacy, which will start in October.
“The fundamental goal of our visit is the reorganization and revaluation of your region,” the letter says. The Catholicos expects a fruitful conversation with the clergy and official to promote a further development and growth of the Prelacy and its parishes.
Delegates from all parishes hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church of Providence started the proceedings electing the authorities of the Assembly after the opening prayer of Archbishop Anoushavan, and welcoming words by Rev. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, and Levon Attarian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Following the reading of His Holiness՛ letter, the assembly listened to the message of the Prelate and watched a presentation of the Executive Council report. The plenary meeting began afterwards.
The National Representative Assembly will also look into by-law amendments and finances, including the Prelacy’s budget for 2023-24, in addition to other agenda items, such as the election of religious and lay councils.
Planning and budgeting the pontifical visit will top the agenda. Catholicos Aram I is scheduled to visit the United States parishes under the jurisdiction of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia from October 19 to November 21, 2023.
Updates and full coverage will be provided in the coming issues of Crossroads as well as through the Prelacy’s social media channels.