His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Presides Over the Feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr and Protodeacon at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia
The Feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr and Protodeacon was solemnly observed at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, with a Divine Liturgy and a special celebration at the atrium of the Catholicosate, presided over by 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).
H.E. Arch. Sipan Ketchedjian, the newly appointed Grand Sacristan of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, celebrated the Liturgy and delivered a homily, during which he elaborated on the Biblical foundations of the diaconate as outlined in the Acts of the Apostles. He reflected on the challenges and blessings of multilingualism, noting that while proficiency in multiple languages is a valuable asset in today’s multicultural world, it remains an earthly privilege. He urged the faithful to use their gifts, following Christ’s example, to build relationships founded on love, respect, and patience, and to aspire for a “good place” in the Kingdom of Heaven through a steadfast relationship with God.
The Deacons of the Seminary served the Liturgy, and the Seminary students, under the direction of V. Rev. Fr. Azad Filikian, sang the Liturgy.
Following the service, a special program was held in the atrium. On behalf of the Seminary’s Deacon class, Deacon Minas Jansezian delivered an address. He described the Feast as “a spiritual invitation for renewal” and concluded by requesting the pontifical blessing of His Holiness for the deacons’ continued dedication.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I delivered his Pontifical message. He stressed that the Feast is not merely a historical commemoration but a living call for all to walk in the path of St. Stephen by embodying Christian values, ideals, and truths. “St. Stephen followed in the footsteps of the Great Servant, Christ, and was martyred for that service,” His Holiness said. “But we must not forget that he was also a preacher and witness of the Truth.” Addressing contemporary challenges, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I underscored the urgent need for clergy who are courageous and committed to becoming “brave witnesses of the Truth.” He affirmed the mission of the Seminary and the Brotherhood of the Catholicosate: “We are shaping clergy committed to the service of God and the nation…
This news was originally published on the Website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia. Please click here to read the full text.