His Holiness Catholicos Aram I paid a visit to the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in New York on Friday, November 17, and was honored as the distinguished guest of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
Archbishop Elpidophoros extended a heartfelt welcome to His Holiness and his pontifical delegation for their visit to the United States and the Archdiocesan headquarters. In his welcoming address, he referred to the Catholicos as a distinguished leader, especially in the ecumenical world, whose leadership and spiritual virtues he has personally known for years. Archbishop Elpidophoros conveyed the fraternal greetings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and concluded his speech by presenting His Holiness with a pectoral Panagia.
Catholicos Aram I expressed his joy at visiting the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for the second time, about 25 years later. His Holiness reflected on the historical relationship between the Armenian and Greek churches and emphasized two crucial aspects: their historical ecumenical relations and the theological dialogue among the orthodox churches. His Holiness presented Archbishop Elpidophoros with the official catalog of the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
At the official luncheon, Archbishop Elpidophoros highlighted His Holiness’s substantial role in promoting cooperation between churches. During this event, he expressed his willingness to welcome seminarians from the Holy See of Cilicia at their Seminary.
His Holiness was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate; Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, Vicar; Very Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian, head of the Information Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia; Very Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian, director of the Middle East section of the Ecumenical Relations Department of the Catholicosate, and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, of Douglaston, New York.
