HOLY SEE ARMENIAN STUDIES CENTER NAMED AFTER CATHOLICOS ARAM I

The Armenian Studies Center that has been functioning within the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia has been named the Catholicos Aram I Armenian Studies Institute, the Holy See said in a statement. The decision was taken by the Central Executive Committee.   

The initiative began modestly in the early years of His Holiness’ tenure, initially as courses devoted to the development of Western Armenian. Over time, and under his direct encouragement and supervision, it gradually expanded into a structured academic and cultural institution. Today, the Institute enjoys greater resources and opportunities for growth.  

The Institute operates within the Catholicosate’s Khoren I Center and is preparing to launch new courses in administration, publishing, teaching, and research. Plans also include online classes, conferences, and collaboration with Armenian studies centers both in Armenia and the Diaspora. 

In its announcement, the Holy See highlighted the importance of engaging teachers, intellectuals, and individuals with a serious interest in Armenian studies. 

Oversight of the Institute will be entrusted to a committee composed of Their Eminences Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Dikran Jinbashian, Seta Khedeshian, and Shahan Kandaharian. The director is Aharon Shekerdemian, who can be contacted directly for participation in the courses at: aharonshekerdemian@gmail.com.