His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Visits Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun
On Friday, December 19, 2025, 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), was received at the Presidential Palace by His Excellency General Joseph Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon.
The discussions focused on the affairs of the Armenian Orthodox Community in Lebanon and the broader Ecclesiastical-diplomatic mission of the Holy See of Cilicia. His Holiness briefed the President on his recent high-level consultations with foreign state officials, underscoring matters pertinent to Lebanon and regional stability. He expressed appreciation for the improved security climate and the gradual economic progress achieved under the President’s administration, while issuing a firm condemnation of the ongoing [Israeli] military aggressions.
President Aoun, for his part, commended the historic and ongoing contributions of the Armenian Community to Lebanon’s national fabric. He extended particular commendation to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, who was present at the meeting, for her service. The President provided an assessment of the situation in Southern Lebanon, reiterating his strong condemnation of the hostilities initiated by [Israel], and affirmed his government’s commitment to sustaining positive economic momentum.
The meeting concluded with a cordial exchange of felicitations on the occasion of the forthcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, with mutual wishes for peace and prosperity for Lebanon and the global community.
This news was originally published on the Website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia.