His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Presides Over the First Divine Liturgy of 2026 at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia
On the morning of Thursday, January 1, 2026, the first Divine Liturgy of the year was celebrated at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, 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). Rev. Fr. Tavit Asayan celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
Following the Liturgy, a small gathering was held at the atrium of the Catholicosate. V. Rev. Fr. Avedik Der Garabedian conveyed New Year greetings on behalf of the Cilician Brotherhood and faithful, emphasizing the importance of the “Year for the Renewal of Spiritual Life” pontifical proclamation.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I then delivered his message. He expressed thanks to God for the past year and described the New Year as an invitation for personal and collective renewal through God’s grace. He prayed for the dissipation of the “dark clouds” over the life of the Armenian people, particularly in Armenia, and for a year filled with brotherly love, national and universal values, success, and peace for all Armenians worldwide.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I concluded by praying for a strong homeland, a steadfast nation, a radiant Church, and happy and healthy families.
This news was originally published on the Website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia.