PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: cathcil@cathcil.org
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
A LUNCHEON IN HONOR OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
“ANTELIAS AND I HAVE BECOME UNITED. ENSURING OUR PEOPLE’S
PRINCIPAL INTERESTS HAS BEEN OUR ONLY PATH”
SAYS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
A luncheon organized on September 24 in the “Gamk” stadium of the “Armenian
Center” in Montreal in honor of His Holiness Aram I turned into a heartfelt
meeting between the Catholicos and numerous believers.
“Antelias and I have become united. Ensuring our people’s principal
interests has been our only path,” said His Holiness to the believers
gathered in his honor.
Mr. Jean Arakelian, chairman of the board of trustees of the St. Hagop
church, delivered the opening remarks of the luncheon which was dedicated to
the 10th anniversary of His Holiness’ enthronement.
A long time associate of His Holiness Aram I, Dr. Garbis Harboyan, delivered
the lecture of the day, briefly talking about the main aspects of Aram I’s
life and work.
Speaking about the Catholicos’ achievements, Dr. Harboyan said: “Although
ten years is a short period of time, great work has been achieved in the
spiritual, cultural, educational, construction, ecumenical, inter-religious,
political and social service fields.”
“His Holiness’ strong personality and flexible diplomacy brought an
awakening to the Cilician Holy Seat, its Seminary, brotherhood and cultural
mission.”
The speaker highlighted His Holiness’ dedication to his people. He
considered the construction of 70 apartments for newly wed Armenian couples
as well as the extra care shown towards the Azounieh National Sanatorium,
the national house for the elderly and the Birds’ Nest orphanage as examples
of this dedication.
Dr. Harboyan presented His Holiness as a dedicated spiritual leader, a true
intellectual, an inspiring orator, a brave messenger and a prime defender of
the Armenian Cause. In this respect he highlighted the work carried out by
His Holiness Aram I in the international arena for the restoration of the
Armenian nation’s rights.
Mr. Krikor Kouyoumdjian, chairman of the National Committee of the diocese
also welcomed His Holiness. Ara Babian, the Ambassador of Armenia to Canada
congratulated the 10th anniversary of His Holiness’ enthronement on behalf
of the Armenian government.
Prelate of the diocese of Montreal, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian spoke about
His Holiness’ qualities as a leader on the national, ecclesiastical,
political, international, inter-religious and ecumenical levels.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of His Holiness’ enthronement Rev
Karnig Koyounian of the St. Hagop church prepared a book entitled “Aram I
for the Renewal of Armenian Theological Thought”.
The book presented His Holiness’ contribution to the development of Armenian
theological thought through a comprehensive analysis of the theological
works the Catholicos has published in Armenian, French and English.
His Holiness Aram I expressed satisfaction at the warm welcome he received
at the diocese of Montreal. Upon the request of Prelate Archbishop Hagopian,
His Holiness presented medals of Honor to several Armenians dedicated to
their community in Montreal.
Mrs. Aghavni Eloyan received the “St. Mesrob Mashdots” Medal for her long
time cultural and social activities. Mrs. Bertha Minassian-Heller, one of
the philanthropists of the St. Hagop Church and school, was given the Medal
of “Cilician Knight”.
Dr. Jean Arakelian and Mrs. Azadouhi (mother of philanthropist Mihran
Aghbabian from Laval) also received medals of “Cilician Knighthood”. His
Holiness commended the active work carried out by Primate Archbishop
Hagopian by giving him a special cross for archbishops.
His Holiness then considered the collective efforts of Armenians as the
source of all that was achieved during the past decade.
“The principal and everlasting work for us is service. Our nation grows
through what we give it with dedication and commitment and we grow with our
nation. Our nation is enriched and we become enriched by it,” said His
Holiness.
“I did not work alone during the past years. I have always believed in
collective work. I have never wanted to remain in closed and narrow circles.
I have wanted the same for all our institutions and organizations. We should
open up and come out of narrow circles.”
The luncheon also had its share of entertainment with Nayiri Piloyan leading
erformances by Armenian and Canadian violinists.
Enthusiastic believers made generous donations to the Seminary of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia. Miss Ovsanna Zeitounian and the church’s spiritual
sisters donated $ 5000 each and Mrs. Bertha Heller contributed with $
30,000.
Prominent philanthropists and Cilician Knights Mr. and Mrs. Dikran and
Dianna Hadjetian established a fund of $ 75,000 for the Seminary and donated
$ 25,000 to the St. Hagop School.
The event was concluded with “Cilicia” and “I Veh Partsants”.
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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.