ARCHBISHOP ANOUSHAVAN PRAISES CATHOLICOS ARAM I ON THE 31ST ANNIVERSARY OF HIS ENTHRONEMENT

On June 28, 2026, the 31st anniversary of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s election and consecration to the pontifical throne was celebrated with a thanksgiving prayer during the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Cathedral at the Holy See. The anniversary was observed in all the parishes of the prelacies under the jurisdiction of the Great House of Cilicia, including the Eastern Prelacy, with His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, delivering the homily at the Holy See. 

His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan led the thanksgiving prayer, Very Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Attendees included Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, minister of Youth and Sports in Lebanon, Executive Council members, leaders of the three traditional Armenian political parties in Lebanon, and representatives of Armenian organizations. 

In his sermon, Archbishop Anoushavan highlighted His Holiness’s transformative leadership, dedication to youth, Armenian culture, and ecumenical efforts, as well as his guidance during challenging times. “In these turbulent times, we rejoice and give thanks that God has blessed us with a visionary and steadfast Catholicos, who continues to inspire the faithful,” His Eminence said.  

“Make radiant the staff of authority of our Pontiff, adorning it with grace,” prayed Archbishop Anoushavan as he began his sermon, citing a sharagan (hymn). “In the Bible, the staff symbolizes authority, strength, and leadership anointed with responsibility.” 

His Eminence described Prophet Moses’ visit to the Pharaoh’s palace as an authority representing God and transcending all earthly power. With his staff Moses performed many miracles and manifested the supreme power of God, he noted.  

In this understanding, and on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the enthronement of the Pontiff of our Christ-founded Church and Apostolic Holy See, Archbishop Anoushavan offered an earnest prayer for God to further brighten the Catholicos’ staff of authority, for the benefit of the Armenian Church and the welfare of the Armenian people. 

Archbishop Anoushavan then evoked for the faithful the prayer said by His Holiness at his anointment as Catholicos in 1995: “Teach me, Lord, Your righteousness,” and noted that the past three decades bear witness to the splendor of the pontifical staff. At the time, the prelate added, “the darkest clouds covered the Holy See of Cilicia, threatening its existence and mission.”  

On this occasion, His Eminence spoke of the growth experienced by the Armenian Church in several spheres under the blessing and leadership of His Holiness. “The books published under his pontificate have brought people closer to God and non-Armenians, closer to the Armenian Church.” 

The Prelate added that the Catholicos had infused new hope and a spirit of renewal into the faith of the Armenian people. Archbishop Anoushavan bore witness to the delight the visits His Holiness paid to parishes with as little as 15 members as well as the warm welcome he received from high officials. During these visits, his special attention to youth was noteworthy. “Youth are not only our future, but also our present,” the Catholicos said, inspiring them to actively commit to the Church and community. 

In his comprehensive overview of the Catholicos’ 31 years of tenure, Archbishop Anoushavan spoke of His Holiness’ special attention to youth, his devotion to Armenian culture and literature, his intense efforts on behalf of Armenian demands for justice, his unparalleled leadership in ecumenical and interreligious relations as well as his judicious positions on political issues. 

“As clergymen, how could we fail to rejoice when we recognize that amid the most turbulent global political, economic, and social upheavals of our time, God has granted us a multitalented Pontiff who tirelessly leads the Christian ‘little flock’ entrusted to his care through every trial and challenge?” Archbishop Anoushavan asked. 

“All this, and much more which could fill volumes, bears witness to nothing less than the ever-flowering and ever-resplendent staff of the Shepherd who was born in the land of the cedars, forged in the Seminary, educated in leading European and American universities, who led the Armenian community of a wounded Lebanon, and who, for the past 31 years, has served the Armenian people with unrelenting and fearless will and deep vision,” His Eminence said as he concluded his sermon. “As children of the Armenian people, and especially of the Holy See of Cilicia, we rejoice in this, praying and wishing His Holiness a healthy and long life, so that in the land of the cedars he may, with renewed vigor and by the blessing of the Almighty, make shine ever more brightly the staff of love of the Shnorhalis, which bloomed anew under Catholicoi Sahag, Papken, Bedros, Karekin, Zareh, Khoren, and Karekin, plowing the boundless field of service for the glory of the Armenian nation and the glory of God.” 

Message on Behalf of the Brotherhood 

Following the Divine Liturgy, a celebratory gathering was held in the Catholicosal Apartments (Veharan). Very Rev. Fr. Azad Filikian, one of the Seminary supervisors, delivered a message on behalf of the Brotherhood. 

“Today we all turn our gaze toward the ancient pontifical throne of the Holy See of Cilicia, whose firmness, radiance, and spiritual ascent owe much to its worthy occupant and our beloved shepherd, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I,” Fr. Azad began. 

He gave thanks to God for granting the Armenian people, during a critical and difficult period in the history of the Holy See, such a wise leader, who as Catholicos has been a spiritual father, national guide, intellectual force, and interpreter of the Armenian nation. 

“As your sons, we pledge to continue our work under your pontifical leadership with the same zeal and dedication that you have taught us,” Fr. Azad said. “Thus, our gratitude becomes a solemn pledge to serve as standard-bearers of your vision throughout Armenian life.” 

Pontifical Message 

Right after Fr. Azad’s address, His Holiness delivered his message of blessing, offering praise and thanks to God for leading him through the 31 years of his pontificate.   

“He guided me along the path of service and mission of our Church, and especially of our Holy See,” the Catholicos said.  

“Energized by God’s blessing, fortified in faith through His presence, and inspired by His love and hope, I have tried to fulfill the service and mission of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in the life of our people.” 

He emphasized that no Catholicos acts alone, but that he carries out a sacred, God-given ministry surrounded by members of the Brotherhood, prelates, community leaders, benefactors, and the sons and daughters of the Armenian people. 

Therefore, “the mission of this Holy See is collective, and we all participate in that collective mission,” he said, adding that it was people’s duty to assess the 31 years of his pontificate, acknowledging achievements and identifying shortcomings. 

His Holiness added that today, both in Armenia and the Diaspora, Armenian life stands at one of its most critical junctures. In particular, our Holy See, together with the political, cultural, philanthropic, and communal institutions that surround it, is called to engage in self-examination with realism and self-criticism in order to determine where we stand and how best to guide our people and homeland. 

“Therefore, at this decisive moment in our national life, the role of this Holy See must be stressed more than ever, and its leadership must become even more pronounced, because its mission has always been, and must increasingly be, not only to serve the Diaspora but the entire Armenian nation,” His Holiness said. “All our institutions and all the sons and daughters of our people are, and must remain, part of that mission.” 

He added that the accomplishments of the Holy See seek to benefit the homeland, our communities, our culture, and our pursuit of justice. “The mission of this See is comprehensive and all-embracing.”   

Finally, His Holiness stated that this anniversary is an occasion to thank God and to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the members of the Brotherhood, the servants of the prelacy institutions, and the benefactors who support the mission of the Holy See of Cilicia and actively contribute to its fulfillment. 

He said the anniversary was an invitation, especially in these critical days for our nation, “to continue our mission with renewed faith, total dedication, and selfless service.” 

“May God bless our mission, protect and safeguard the sons and daughters of our nation, and keep our homeland strong and unshaken,” Catholicos Aram I concluded. 

The celebration concluded with the singing of the Pontifical Benediction and a blessing by His Holiness. Those present then approached to offer their congratulations and kiss the Catholicos’ right hand.