His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Arrives in Springfield’s St. Gregory the Illuminator Church

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, accompanied by his entourage, journeyed from Providence to Springfield, where the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church is located in the Indian Orchard region. Among those accompanying His Holiness were the Prelate of the Eastern Armenian Prelacy, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian; the Prelate of the Western Armenian Prelacy, His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian; and Aram Sarafian, the Chair of the Diocesan Executive Committee.

At the church entrance, His Holiness received a warm welcome from Rev. Fr. Bedros Shitilian, the parish priest, and the church board of trustees. Following the “Hrashapar” ceremony, He delivered a heartfelt address, sharing his happiness at returning to the church for the second time as Catholicos. He fondly recalled his student days in New York, where he would often visit the church and conduct Divine Liturgy. He described the church community as God’s house and referred to the believers as God’s chosen people, urging them to actively participate in the church’s life and mission with this understanding.

Following the address, an “achahampuyr” occurred, during which the faithful approached His Holiness to kiss his right hand and receive his blessing…

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This news was originally published on the website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias, Lebanon. Please click here to read the full text.