His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Issues a Pontifical Call to the Armenian Communities of the Middle East
Below you can find a Pontifical Call and Message issued 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), to the Armenian Communities of the Middle East.
We are following the war in the Middle East with grave concern. Some experts consider the current war the beginning of a third world war, while others view it as part of a long series of military confrontations. Whatever interpretation may be given, the military actions unleashed against Iran by the United States and [Israel] are in fact becoming increasingly complex, intensifying, and expanding, drawing in the entire Middle East and even showing signs of spreading beyond the region. Uncertainty is deepening, chaos is spreading, the number of human casualties and wounded is rising, physical destruction is widening, and the wave of refugees is growing.
All countries in the Middle East, to varying degrees, face the devastating effects of the war across security, safety, economy, society, politics, and other areas. However, Iran and Lebanon continue to experience the direct and severe impacts of the conflict.
As is well known, we have communities in all the countries that are deeply affected by the military actions. In recent days, we have been able to establish contact with our Prelates and with diocesan and community leaders, from whom we have received the necessary information and to whom we have given appropriate guidance. The safety and well-being of our communities remain our highest priority.
Armenian community members have consistently demonstrated exemplary citizenship, abiding by the laws of their respective countries and supporting efforts for justice and peace.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of all victims and wish a swift recovery to the wounded, as well as a safe return home for all the refugees.
We call upon the parties involved in the war to cease all military operations, to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of all countries in accordance with international law, and to pursue resolutions through dialogue. The establishment of a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on justice and mutual trust, must become an absolute priority for the international community and for the United Nations; otherwise, the region may find itself on the brink of new wars.
In the present circumstances, filled with unpredictable dangers, we urge our communities to remain vigilant and organized, to gather around our churches and community institutions, to follow the instructions of their state authorities, to avoid situations that may create insecurity, and to exercise caution in organizing intra-community gatherings. At the same time, we urge our community bodies to closely monitor the needs and difficulties of families and, when necessary, to provide assistance.
This is what the current dangerous situation in the region requires. It is necessary to closely follow new developments so that appropriate approaches and actions may be determined. Considering that our communities live in different environments, alongside general concerns, it is necessary to give special attention to the particular issues affecting each community, determining appropriate approaches for the respective communities.
The Catholicosate has placed all its available means at the service of our communities. At the same time, our dioceses in the Diaspora, as well as our organizations and benefactors, must be prepared, if necessary, to support our communities affected by the consequences of the war.
We pray for the peace and security of the Middle East, for mutual understanding among all peoples, and for the protection of our communities.
With Pontifical blessing and fatherly love,
Prayerfully,
ARAM I CATHOLICOS
OF THE HOLY SEE OF CILICIA
March 7, 2026
Antelias, Lebanon