Assembly of Clergy Presided Over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I in New Jersey
On the morning of Friday, November 14, 2025, an Assembly of both celibate and married Priests serving in the Eastern Diocese was held with the participation of 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). His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, representing the clergy, warmly welcomed His Holiness and expressed gratitude for his gracious presence on the occasion of his 30th enthronement anniversary. The archbishop thanked His Holiness for his continual support, especially in providing young members of the Cilician Brotherhood to address the needs of the Prelacy.
Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church of Detroit, delivered the opening remarks and introduced the day’s lecturer. The Assembly was chaired by Very Rev. Father Boghos Tinkjian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Philadelphia and chairman of the Religious Council of the Prelacy. Dr. Francis McAloon of Fordham University served as the day’s lecturer, offering insights into the Priestly vocation and pastoral service, particularly in the face of contemporary challenges within American society. After the lecture, clergy members engaged in discussion and shared their perspectives. His Holiness concluded the session with closing remarks.
In his address, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I emphasized several key points:
– The essence of clerical life is service: “The life of a clergyman is, by its very nature, service. His work, path, thoughts, and plans are all about serving others. A clergyman cannot remain focused solely on himself. Otherwise, his calling becomes a mere profession and the clergy simply an occupation.”
– A spiritual approach to ministry: “Clergy should never approach their service as a business, nor should others treat it as such. This work cannot start and end at set hours; like physicians, clergy must be available to their people around the clock. A clergyman is, after all, a spiritual doctor dedicated to the well-being of souls.”
– A contemporary challenge: “Sadly, this understanding of the clergy is in decline, even among us. Discussions like these are only meaningful if they serve as both a reminder and a challenge for our clergy”…
This news was originally published on the Website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias. Please click here to read the full text.