HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN STUDY VISIT PROGRAM AT THE VATICAN

At the invitation of the Vatican and with the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, three young clergymen participated on behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia in the fifth “Study Visit for Young Monks and Priests from Oriental Orthodox Churches,” hosted by the Dicastery (Department) for Promoting Christian Unity. The program took place on January 31-February 8.   

The participating clergymen were Very Rev. Antranig Kurumian, Director of the Birds’ Nest Armenian Orphanage; Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, Pastor of Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church (North Andover), and Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Pastor of Holy Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church (Orange County, California). 

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, as well as the other Oriental Orthodox Churches, were all represented with three participating clergymen respectively. 

The goal of the study visit to the Vatican is getting acquainted with the various ministerial departments, educational institutions, museums, libraries and monasteries operating under the Vatican’s auspices. At each of these establishments, the priests were given detailed explanations by their officials. One of the highlights of the program was an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis I. On this occasion, the Pontiff emphasized the importance of the unity of churches, as well as the imperative of mutual understanding, interaction and cooperation between them. 

On Sunday, February 2, Divine Liturgy was offered at Rome’s St. Biagio (Soorp Vlas) Armenian Church, with the participation of all the priests. Rev. Fr. Movses Sahakyan, an official with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, while Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian delivered the homily.

Participants received a special certificate at the conclusion of the program.