His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Celebrates Pontifical Liturgy in San Francisco
In a historic moment for the Armenian community of the West Coast, 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), celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in San Francisco. This Service marked the first-ever pontifical Liturgy celebrated in the church, a milestone embraced with deep reverence by the local faithful and community leaders.
Assisting His Holiness Catholicos Aram I on the Altar were His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian and His Eminence Archbishop Torkom Donoyan. Serving at the altar were V. Rev. Fr. Levon Yeghiayan and V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Abrahamian, while V. Rev. Fr. Ashod Khatchadourian led the Liturgical hymns.
Before His Holiness’s address, Archbishop Kegham reflected on the significance of the Catholicos’s visit to the Western Diocese, highlighting the profound enthusiasm it had inspired. He emphasized that the pontifical Liturgy in San Francisco was a truly unique and historic event.
Drawing from the Gospel of John (12:46): “I have come as light into the world, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness,” His Holiness Aram I delivered his pontifical message on the divine nature of light. “During His earthly mission, Christ revealed that He is the true light of the world,” the Catholicos said. “Light is a divine creation, while darkness is merely its absence. When humanity turned away from the light, God sent His only begotten Son to become the true light of the world.”
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I contrasted the fleeting and often deceptive “lights” of the world with the eternal light of Christ: “All the lights of the world are dangerous, covered with sin and darkness. The true light is the light that was revealed to the world in Bethlehem.”
Connecting this theology to the Armenian experience, he continued, “Look at our history. In the face of the darkness imposed upon us, Christ became the light of our people. With the light of Christ, we lived, struggled, and created. Even today, in this seemingly illuminated world, Christ remains the true light of our lives”…
This news was originally published on the Website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias. Please click here to read the full text.