His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Meets with the President of the Republic of Cyprus His Excellency Mr. Nikos Christodoulides
On Monday, 8 December 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), met with His Excellency Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, the President of the Republic of Cyprus. During their meeting, they discussed various issues concerning the Armenian communities in Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, and the broader Middle East region. President Christodoulides shared his perspectives and concerns, expressing deep respect for the Armenian community in Cyprus and reaffirming his government’s ongoing support, especially in education.
Among the topics discussed was the renovation of the historic Magaravank (Sourp Magar Monastery), located in the Turkish-occupied area of Cyprus.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I emphasized Cyprus’s unique role in the region, its diplomatic relations, and its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, set to begin on 1 January 2026.
At the meeting’s conclusion, gifts were exchanged: His Holiness presented the President with a handcrafted wooden Armenian cross and an illustrated catalogue marking the 30th anniversary of his enthronement. President Christodoulides offered a commemorative gift reflecting the history and culture of Cyprus.
Note that His Holiness Catholicos Aram I was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, Pontifical Vicar of the Armenian Prelacy of Cyprus; Vartkes Mahdessian, Member of the House of Representatives; Mr. Stepan Der Bedrossian and Mr. Krikor Mahseredjian, Co-Chairmen of the Lay Council of the Catholicosate; His Grace Bishop Dajad Ashekian, Chancellor of the Catholicosate; and Very Rev. Fr. Hovhannes Saghdejian, Pastor of the Armenian community of Limassol.
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This news was originally published on the Website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias.