A HUGE CROWD OF BELIEVERS GREETS CATHOLICOS ARAM I IN MONTREAL
Noyan Tapan News Agency
Sept 26 2005
MONTREAL, SEPTEMBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. His Holiness
Aram I, Armenian Catholicos of Cilicia, arrived, on his third
Pontifical visit, to Canada on September 22. The Pontiff ventured on
the visit responding to the invitation by the prelate of the Prelacy
of Canada, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian and officials from the diocese.
According to the Communication and Information Department of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia, His Holiness was greeted at the
“Trudo” airport in Montreal by Archbishop Hagopian, Archbishop
Souren Kataroian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of America Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, as
well as representatives form the diocese and the Armenian community
of Montreal.
His Holiness met with a large crowd of believers in the evening in
the St. Hagop Church in Montreal, seat of the Prelate of Canada,
where a traditional blessing of salt and water was held.
Prelate Archbishop Hagopian welcomed His Holiness in Canada and
spoke about the Pontiff’s achievements during his 10-year tenure. The
Archbishop then invited Aram I to deliver his sermon to the believers.
His Holiness greeted the religious officials, community leaders and
representatives as well as the large number of believers who had
come to meet and welcome their religious leader. He spoke about unity
within the Diocese of Canada and the entire Armenian nation.
“Cooperation is a basic imperative for our nation. As every other
place, here as well our nation’s children should gather around each
other and live their lives in collaboration,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness then considered the words of the Armenian poet “Towards
the source of light” the theme of his Pontifical visit to the three
dioceses of Northern America. He emphasized the importance of working
together for a bright future.
“This is the only path for our people. We follow this path in spite
of our differences,” said His Holiness.
Following the sermon, the believers approached His Holiness to kiss
his right hand. Then His Holiness visited the newly built Prelacy
accompanied by religious officials and representatives of the Diocese.
The Pontiff’s visit to the three dioceses of Northern America falls in
the sphere of the ceremonies celebrating the 10th anniversary of His
Holiness’ enthronement and the 75th anniversary of the establishment
of the Seminary. All the dioceses of the Catholicosate of Cilicia
will mark these anniversaries with special ceremonies.