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:
THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF TORONTO CELEBRATES THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS
HOLINESS’ ENTHRONEMENT AND THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEMINARY’S
ESTABLISHMENT
The 10th anniversary of His Holiness’ enthronement and the 75th anniversary
of the Seminary’s establishment, the two main occasions of His Holiness’
Pontifical visit to Canada and North America, were marked in a great
ceremony by the Armenian community of Toronto on September 30.
Prelate Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, V Rev Fr. Meghrig Parikian, religious
officials, members of the National Authority, the board of trustees, also
other representatives from the community and Armenian unions and
organizations in Toronto, as well as a large crowd attended the joint
ceremony in the youth center of Toronto.
Sarkis Ghazarian, chairman of the board of trustees of the St. Asdvadzadzine
Church, welcomed His Holiness in the opening remarks of the event.
Prelate Archbishop Hagopian stressed the concept of service which ties the
two jubilees together. He considered the Seminary and His Holiness as giving
a life to this concept, the first as an institution and the second as the
worthy son of that spiritual house.
The audience was entertained by beautiful performances of Armenian songs and
poetry. A special piece written by His Holiness last year on the occasion of
the 1000th anniversary of Nareg’s writing was also recited.
V Rev Fr Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer of the Catholicosate,
spoke about the 75th anniversary of the Seminary’s establishment. He talked
about the Seminary’s history, highlighting the difficult mission the
Catholicosate of Cilicia took on its shoulders in the Diaspora.
Dr. Garbis Harboyan of the national authorities of the diocese delivered the
second lecture of the day, speaking about the 10th anniversary of His
Holiness’ enthronement.
Dr. Harboyan presented a realistic and an all-encompassing analysis of His
Holiness’ life, focusing on his 10 years of service as Catholicos of
Cilicia. He spoke about the work His Holiness has carried out and still does
with such dedication, will and continuity.
The lecturer considered His Holiness’ multifaceted service and dedication as
exemplary and ‘contagious’ to the members of the brotherhood surrounding
him, the religious officials and the Armenian people.
V Rev Fr Meghrig had prepared a special publication that represented the
biography and work of His Holiness Aram I.
The Pontiff expressed satisfaction for the well-prepared event, praising all
its organizers and particularly V Rev Fr Meghrig who worked hard to make the
ceremony a success.
In his speech to the people, His Holiness highlighted the Catholicosate of
Cilicia’s past and present dedication to the people and service for them,
especially after the establishment of the Antelias Seminary 75 years ago.
His Holiness saw the glory of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in all the
speeches delivered on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his
enthronement, considering that glory to be the result of collective efforts.
“To speak about Antelias means to speak about a collective vision and
commitment. Antelias is not only in Lebanon; Antelias is where our
brotherhood members live and work; where they bring to life the spirit of
Antelias and distribute it to the people like consecrated bread,” said His
Holiness.
“It is with this spirit that the Antelias Seminary prepared a workforce for
75 years. At this moment we bow before the memory of all those catholicoi,
brotherhood members, teachers, philanthropists who took part in making our
life of service a success,” he continued.
In the second part of his lecture His Holiness spoke about the Cilician Seat
‘s international and ecumenical value, due to which the Armenian Church is
glorified.
The Pontiff expressed gratitude to his predecessors, particularly those who
had left a deep impression on him, namely Catholicos Zareh I Payaslian,
Catholicos Khoren I Paroyan and Catholicos Karekin II Sarkisian.
The Pontiff called upon the people to go towards the light, to gather around
the Armenian Church and community in order to enrich them and be enriched by
them.
The ceremony ended with the collective performance of “Cilicia”, “I veh
Partsranats” and “Hair Mer.”
Mr. and Mrs. Yervant Shahinian held an official dinner party in honor of His
Holiness Aram I after the ceremony. The leaders of the Armenian community of
Toronto attended the dinner party.
##
View pictures here:
*****
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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress