NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY CONVENES IN WATERTOWN
St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, is hosting the 2025 National Representative Assembly (NRA) of the Eastern Prelacy from May 29 to 31, presided by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate. Clergy and lay delegates from across the Eastern United States have gathered to participate in the annual deliberations that guide the spiritual and administrative direction of the Prelacy. The clergy conference, also presided by the Prelate, was held on Wednesday, May 28.
This year’s Assembly opened with a message from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, marking the Year of the Revitalization of Traditions. The message set the tone for the sessions to follow, as delegates prepared to address current priorities and challenges facing the church and its parishes.
“What the Church does is a God-given and people-oriented mission,” His Holiness said. “À mission, which is expressed through education, social service, and pastoral care.”
In his message to the Assembly, His Eminence highlighted the importance of tradition. “When we understand the true meaning of tradition, we may see that tradition is neither an ossified entity nor an anachronism, but rather we appreciate that tradition is the power of creativity, of continuity and constant innovation, of keeping the family, community and nation attached to their roots, and of mobilizing its present potentials for a better future.”
Over the next two days, representatives will engage in comprehensive discussions and hear reports on the Prelacy’s religious, educational, and financial activities. Hosted in the vibrant parish of Watertown—one of the Eastern Prelacy’s most active communities—the Assembly is expected to offer renewed perspectives on strengthening parish life and bolstering intergenerational involvement in church mission.
Crossroads will provide full coverage of the proceedings and decisions of the Assembly in its upcoming issues. Stay tuned for updates on key developments, reflections from participants, and highlights from this pivotal gathering in the life of the Prelacy.
