CATHOLICOS ARAM I MARKS 30 YEARS OF SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the assembly of the Religious and Executive Councils of the Central Committee of the Great House of Cilicia, which convened from July 10 to 16 at the Holy See in Antelias, Lebanon.
The Committee reviewed the activities and progress of departments and key institutions affiliated with the Catholicosate, including the Theological Seminary, Khoren Ayp Youth Center, the Birds’ Nest, Azounieh Sanatorium, Armenian Elderly Home, the Christian Education Department, Bible translation progress, ecclesiastical rituals, ecumenical and interreligious relations, the Cilicia Library and Museum, the Armenian Genocide Orphans’ Aram Bezikian Museum, the Cilicia Analytical Platform, and other departments. Directors of these institutions, along with trusteeship representatives, presented reports during their respective sessions.
Strategic discussions focused on the reorganization and revitalization of prelacies in the Diaspora, the necessity of adopting modern approaches to church mission, and the implementation of innovative methodologies to address emerging challenges.
The Assembly reaffirmed that, in accordance with the resolutions of the National General Assembly, partnership and specialization have become defining characteristics of the Holy See of Cilicia’s operational framework.
A key agenda item concerned relations with the Patriarchal Sees and the Republic of Armenia. The meeting expressed deep concern over the confrontational stance recently adopted by Armenian authorities toward the Catholicos of All Armenians and the senior clergy of Holy See of Etchmiadzin. The following points were emphasized:
a) The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia establishes the principle of separation between church and state, affirming the Church’s independence. Government intervention violates this constitutional mandate.
b) Issues relating to the Church and its clergy must be addressed solely through ecclesiastical laws and regulations. The state has no legal basis to intervene.
c) The public discourse surrounding church matters has been conducted in an unacceptable manner and must be condemned.
d) At a time when the Armenian Homeland faces existential threats, all efforts should be directed toward national unity and security, rather than deepening divisions.
e) Per the principle of “One Nation, One Church,” the Holy See of Cilicia reaffirms its support for the Catholicosate of All Armenians and condemns any acts of violation against it.
The Assembly expressed satisfaction with the vitality and resilience of the Catholicosate’s prelacies, particularly in the Middle East, where historical communities continue to carry out vibrant and community-centered missions despite ongoing regional instability.
In his concluding remarks, the Catholicos emphasized the urgent need to develop a renewed vision for general church activity, advocating for updated methodologies and structural rejuvenation to meet the demands of a changing world—especially in the Diaspora. He concluded with a call for unity around the Church’s core values and ideals, underscoring the importance of resisting internal polarization amid the crises facing the Armenian nation and Homeland.
A Divine Milestone
On June 15, the faithful gathered for a special Divine Liturgy marking the 30th anniversary of Catholicos Aram I’s election and consecration. Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian led the prayer service, with Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian officiating the Liturgy and delivering the sermon in an atmosphere suffused with gratitude and devotion.
Attendees included senior prelates, members of the Central Council, representatives from Prelacy Executive Councils, leaders of Lebanese Armenian organizations, and philanthropist Alecco Bezikian alongside his son Zareh and granddaughter Ani. At one point, the Cilician Brotherhood ascended the altar to offer prayers for His Holiness’s well-being, ministry, and continued service.
In his sermon, Archbishop Shahan praised His Holiness’ three decades of leadership, highlighting his steadfast service, visionary guidance, and advocacy for justice, unity, and faith. He conveyed collective well-wishes from the Brotherhood and the entire faithful community.
Seminarians Take Center Stage
Later that day at St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya, the 95th commencement ceremony of the Armenian Theological Seminary took place. Under Aram I’s auspices, four graduates were honored in a ceremony attended by prelates, prelacy representatives, educators, parents, benefactors, and friends.
The ceremony opened with the Seminary anthem and a moving speech by newly ordained celibate priest V. Rev. Fr. Tavit Asayan, reflecting on spiritual and personal growth. An artistic performance by seminarians followed, setting a tone of celebration.
Seminary Dean V. Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian emphasized the institution’s historic role over 95 years and noted the diverse vocational paths chosen by the graduates, spanning celibate and married priesthood to secular service. He also marked the Catholicos’ 30th anniversary, commending leadership and achievements under his tenure.
Catholicos Aram I then presented diplomas, offered remarks on the Seminary’s mission to shape clergy intellectually and spiritually, and urged increased support amid the vital need for spiritual leadership in the Diaspora. He recognized Alecco Bezikian and family for their lasting philanthropic support and concluded with blessings for the graduates and Seminary’s future.
A Banquet of Reflection and Reaffirmation
On June 14, the Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon hosted a celebratory banquet honoring Catholicos Aram I’s 30th anniversary. Speeches by former Lebanese Youth and Sports Minister Vartineh Ohanian-Kevorkian, Representatives Assembly Chair Vicken Avakian, and Prelate of Lebanon Archbishop Shahe Panossian paid tribute to His Holiness’s service.
The Hamazkayin Parsegh Ganatchian Music School’s Meghety Quartet provided a musical interlude. In response, His Holiness expressed gratitude for the kind words and described the anniversary as a moment for self-reflection. He reflected on his dual mission to faith and nation and concluded by stating that, over three decades, the Holy See of Cilicia has revitalized its mission and established itself as a bright and enduring presence among Armenians worldwide.
