THE CHURCH IS A SPIRITUAL FAMILY: THE CATHOLICOS IN CONNECTICUT

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I visited New Britain, Connecticut, on Thursday, November 16, with his entourage. He was welcomed at St. Stephens’ Church by Rev. Fr. Samuel Ajemian, Pastor, and Board of Trustees members; priests and Board of Trustees members coming from nearby churches, and National Representative Assembly delegates. After the canonical prayer, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, hailed the arrival of His Holiness, wishing for his visit to bring new vitality to the church and the community.  

The Catholicos had selected the words “O Lord, add to our faith, hope, and love” from the evening service as epigraph. He said that we forward this wish every day to the Almighty and suggested that people enrich their life with faith, hope, and love. He highlighted the role of the church in the community as a spiritual mission called to gather our people and serve their needs.  

After the ceremony and the customary Achahampouyr, or kissing of the right hand, there was a dinner in the church hall with the participation of parishioners and guests. After welcoming words by Archbishop Anoushavan, His Holiness underscored the fact that the church is a spiritual family. As God’s family, the church brings us together and serves as a bridge with the same faith, love, and hope. He noted that St. Stephens is one of the oldest churches of the Eastern Prelacy and urged everybody not to forget that we are the first Christian nation in the world, but this meaningful historical event must lead us to participate in the life of our church with more faith.  

After dinner, the Catholicos engaged in conversation with trustees and delegates coming from other parishes.