107th Anniversary of the Armenian Republic and the Name Day of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
Under the auspices 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), the 107th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia was observed on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral with a solemn Divine Liturgy celebrated by V. Rev. Fr. Avedik Der Garabedian. During the ceremony, His Holiness presided over thanksgiving prayers for the Republic of Armenia, blessing for the Armenian flag, and requiem service in honor of those who fought bravely for independence.
In his sermon, Fr. Avedik emphasized the importance of unity in support of our motherland and the enduring values of the Armenian Church. He extended heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I in recognition of his name day, as Aram I is named after Aram Manougian, the founder of the Republic. Additionally, Fr. Avedik acknowledged the 30th anniversary of Aram I’s enthronement.
Following the liturgy, a celebration was hosted by the seminarians in the main atrium, during which V. Rev. Fr. Abraham Joulfayan conveyed the Cilician brotherhood’s gratitude and congratulations to His Holiness.
Finally, His Holiness addressed the attendees, reflecting on the significance of May 28th and urging continued commitment to safeguarding Armenia’s independence and security. Moreover, he welcomed the delegation from the Fresno Medical Mission Council from the United States, who are in Lebanon under the patronage and blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, underscoring the critical importance of providing assistance to families in need.
This news was originally published on the website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias, Lebanon.