CATHOLICOS ARAM I CALLS FOR RENEWAL AND ENGAGEMENT
In his traditional address to the National Representative Assembly of the Prelacy, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I reflected on the importance of tradition, the mission of the Armenian Church, and renewal. Below is the full text of his message, delivered via pre-recorded video during the opening session of the assembly:
I greet you with fatherly blessing and in the spirit of Christian love. You are gathered together once again as representatives of our church and people to assess the work of the Prelacy and set the priorities for the next period.
In fact, in order to look forward with renewed faith and firm engagement, we need to look backward, namely to the work that has been done, with its achievements and failures. What the church does is a God given and people-oriented mission, a mission which is articulated through education, social service and pastoral care. These dimensions and spheres of the church’s mission should acquire top priority on your agenda.
We are living in a world which is in constant change and transformation. Therefore, our church’s mission in all its aspects and manifestations should be relevant and in tune with the realities of the modern world.
The church does not live in isolation; it is an integral part of society. The church is called to become a bridge builder between its faithful and society, preserving its core values.
As you know, I have declared this year as the Year for the Renewal of Traditions. Tradition is the expression of a community’s or religion’s spiritual and cultural characteristics, its ways of life, its aspirations and self-understanding. Religions, churches or communities are often identified by their traditions.
Tradition is, indeed, a strong identity marker. It is also a bond between the present and the past; it ensures continuity; tradition is the expression of unity: people are connected to each other through their common tradition.
I cannot imagine a community, religion or a church in the United States which has no traditions. We must remain faithful to our own traditions. The apostle Paul says, stand firm and cling to the traditions (Thes 2: 15). Our traditions need to be renewed and revitalized and become compatible with new realities and conditions. I believe that our families, our organizations and particularly our church have an instrumental role to play in terms of preserving our traditions and transmitting them to the generations to come.
My recent visits to our parish churches helped me to have a better understanding of our church and community and the concerns and challenges they face.
I believe that the working relationship between the Prelacy and parish churches needs to be further organized through mutual visits and joint initiatives. On the parish level, the church needs to increase its membership and through people–oriented action programs involve the parishioners in the life and witness of the church. The role of clergy is crucial in renewing and revitalizing the life of the church.
And finally, I look forward to seeing you in November on the occasion of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of my pontifical ministry.
I would like to express my great appreciation to His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan for his dedicated service. My appreciation is also due to the clergy, Executive Council and the National Representative Assembly for their committed engagement in the service of our church.
May God bless you and lead you in your deliberations and decisions.
CATHOLICOS ARAM I
May 27, 2025