His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Begins Pontifical Visit to Montreal at Surp Hagop 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 (MECC), began his Pontifical Visit to Montreal with a solemn service at Surp Hagop Church, where he was warmly welcomed by clergy, community members, and representatives of various Armenian organizations, led by the Prelate of Canada, His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian.
In his address, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I expressed joy at being reunited with his flock and thanked God for the opportunity. Introducing the theme of his visit, “Let Us Revive Our Community Bodies Together,” he called for renewed energy, cooperation, and responsibility across Armenian institutions.
Speaking about the situation in Armenia, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I reiterated his clear and consistent stance on the country’s ongoing challenges. He condemned the strained relations between the Church and the State and the arrests of clergy, emphasizing that dialogue and mutual understanding are essential for national unity. He warned that continued division threatens Armenia’s stability and urged Armenians to act with a sense of shared purpose and national responsibility.
This news was originally published on the Website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias.