PONTIFICAL LETTER OF BLESSING TO THE THREE DIOCESES OF NORTH AMERICA

We extend our pontifical blessing, the warmth of Christian love, and the light of national spirit to the dear children of our diocese in Canada, and of the Eastern and Western dioceses, from the spiritual center of the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.

We give thanks and glory to God, who has once again granted us the spiritual opportunity for a pontifical visit to these dioceses. This visit allows us to draw closer to the children of our people and to better understand the difficulties, needs, plans, and challenges faced by our communities.

The clergy, as servants of the Church, are called to strengthen Christian faith and love in the lives of our people, guided by spiritual, moral, and national values.

For each diocese, we have designated a distinct theme for reflection:
• For Canada: “Let us unite around our structures.”
• For the Western Prelacy of the United States: “Faith, Fidelity, and Unity.”
• For the Eastern Prelacy: “Let us enrich our lives with values.”

In fact, the core of our addresses, exhortations, lectures, and meetings was built upon these very themes. Even at the risk of frequent repetition, we endeavored to offer clarifications, underscore key points, and provide emphasis so that the people’s response and understanding might be more conscious and complete.

We can confirm with great satisfaction that our messages and meetings received a positive and broad response from the people. The encounters between the Pontiff and the people were intimate and direct, particularly during religious ceremonies, youth gatherings, and school events.
We wish to emphasize in particular that wherever we went—be it a Church or a school, a hall or a center—we were welcomed by large crowds, observed remarkable organization and enthusiasm, and, above all, felt the profound joy of the people in hearing the words of their Church’s spiritual leader. This same moving phenomenon was witnessed and affirmed by community leaders and so many of those present.

Within the churches, we encountered a great number of believers who had gathered to be inspired by the presence of their Pontiff and to receive his paternal counsel. It was deeply gratifying to see the many acolytes and deacons serving the Church with such dedication. It is our hope that, answering the call to serve our Church and nation with greater responsibility, some of these deacons will pursue the path to the priesthood.

Our visits to the Armenian schools inspired in us a unique enthusiasm. We witnessed the still-growing number of students, the profound dedication of principals and teachers, the zeal of parents entrusting their children to the Armenian school, and the vibrant Armenian atmosphere that prevails within these institutions. The special care devoted to the Armenian language in the schools was a most constructive and encouraging phenomenon—one that must become more widespread, especially within our families.

Our special zeal for the youth once again found expression through our meetings, visits, and messages. We engaged in a profound dialogue with them on matters of vital concern to the Church, the homeland, and the nation. It was profoundly encouraging to witness the keen interest and seriousness with which the youth approach contemporary national and religious issues. We emphasized, above all, the indispensable importance of their active and committed participation in the life of our Church and community.

Our meetings, both ecumenical and political in nature, consistently provided the opportunity to address the ongoing demands of the Armenian people and the critical issues surrounding Artsakh. Similarly, our academic lectures, delivered at universities, reaffirmed that the Church indeed has a vital voice in the discourse concerning the challenges facing contemporary society.

The thirtieth anniversary of our election and consecration as Catholicos served to summarize the achievements of our Holy See and to reaffirm its national mission. Within this context, we emphasized that the reorganization of the Armenian diaspora, the consolidation of its potential, and the preparation of its people in light of new conditions and realities must become central priorities for the mission of our Holy See.

Despite the demanding nature of the pontifical program—a visit that spanned approximately six weeks—we endeavored to fulfill it with a conscious and wholehearted commitment to serving God, our nation, our homeland, and our Church.

Today, the present state of our communities in North America—in terms of both their scale and vitality, as well as their vast potential—stands as clear evidence of their particular significance within the wider Diaspora. This reality calls these same communities to embrace a greater commitment and responsibility, both toward the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia and toward fellow communities facing hardship and challenge. We note with appreciation that this awareness and zeal have already been demonstrated, especially in recent years.

The testimonies and responses we have received from the structures, bodies, and individuals entrusted with this pontifical visit have been overwhelmingly positive. It is our fervent hope that the encounters and messages shared will serve as lasting reminders and meaningful challenges—ones that leave a profound mark and inspire a continuous renewal within our communities and institutions.

With these thoughts and expectations, we wish to express our profound gratitude and highest appreciation:

To the Prelates of the three dioceses and the diocesan bodies, for their dedicated church-building service.

To the benefactors and friends of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia, for their steadfast financial and moral support.

And to our sister organizations, structures, and the beloved children of our people, for the warm love and generous acceptance extended to us.

We pray that Almighty God may fill the lives of our families and all the faithful with the heavenly gifts of success, health, and enduring happiness.

With warm fatherly love,

Prayerfully,
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I

November 25, 2025
Antelias, Lebanon