The 13^th anniversary of His Holiness Aram I’s consecration and enthronement was celebrated in Antelias during the Holy Mass held on Sunday on the occasion of the Feast of Vartavar. Members of the Cilician Brotherhood recited prayers and read sections from the Holy Bible wishing the Pontiff a long and fruitful service for the Catholicosate of Cilicia.

Bishop Norayr Ashekian officiated the Mass. In his sermon, the Bishop upheld His Holiness’ dedication and courage as a spiritual leader. The Mass was followed by a special event in the hall of the Veharan to mark the 13^th anniversary of the Pontiff’s consecration. Deacon Mourad Tchorbadjian read an address on behalf of the Seminary’s management, staff and students, congratulating His Holiness on his anniversary. Mrs. Haygoush Meguerditchian also congratulated His Holiness on behalf of Sister Azadouhi Manougian’s prayer group. Addressing the Pontiff, who she described as “committed to our nation’s Christian education”, Mrs. Meguerditchian said: “Your Holiness, you announced this year to be the Year of Christian Education to remind us all that the Church is the source of our nation’s true spiritual education. Spiritually we were all born in the basin of this Church and we acknowledge it as our true mother. And as the foremost Servant of this holy house, you have your arms widespread to protect us from all kinds of misguiding tides. And here we are, a group of spiritual sisters who have come together in the name of Christ, proud of our Church’s and nation’s values and ready to voluntarily serve the Church through the Catholicosate of Cilicia.”

The group of sisters had prepared a special pontifical garment in honor of His Holiness.

His Holiness expressed his gratitude for the well-wishes made to his benefit. He credited the Catholicosate of Cilicia for the progress and the projects achieved in the years past. He pointed out that it is through the Catholicosate of Cilicia “that we became what we became and were able to realize our achievements as Catholicos in the last 13 years. This path is the path of service, through which we will all walk whatever our status, Catholicos, a member of the Cilician Brotherhood, or believers.” His Holiness praised sister Azadouhi Manougian and her group of spiritual sisters and their beautiful idea of presenting a souvenir to him. His Holiness also spoke about the importance of spiritual education under the auspices of the Church. “You became the voice of the people today, because you are the church, to the service of which we are destined as clergy,” said the Catholicos. After “Cilicia” and “I Veh Partsants” songs, His Holiness blessed those present with “Bahbanitch”. The faithful then congratulated His Holiness and presented their well-wishes to him through Atchahampouyr.

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