The Armenian Heritage Conference, organized by the World Council of Churches in partnership with the Swiss Protestant Church, addressed the consequences of the conflict in Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh with a focus on the protection of Armenian religious and cultural heritage, the human rights of the affected population, and the future security of the Armenian nation. The conference concluded its sessions on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, with a statement urging coordinated international action to safeguard these crucial aspects.

On May 30, 2025, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, visited His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, at Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke.

On May 30, 2025, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, visited His Beatitude John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox family at his Residence in the Monastery of Saint Mary in Balamand.

On May 30, 2025—Feast of the Visitation and conclusion of the Marian Month—the Parish of Zababdeh, dedicated to Our Lady of the Visitation, joyfully welcomed His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, for a solemn celebration of the Holy Mass. The Patriarch’s visit was also marked by a profound honoring of Saint Marie-Alphonsine Ghattas, meaningful encounters with parish groups.

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), arrived in Athens, Greece’s capital, on Thursday noon, May 29th, 2025. His first engagement was a meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during which he conveyed greetings from Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, along with several diplomatic proposals. The dialogue centered on the prevailing geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, particularly concerning Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria.

Jn 17:20-26

Be one: This is the sentence that occurs most frequently in the Gospel of this seventh Sunday of the Easter season (John 17:20-26).

It is the last Sunday of the Easter season, before Pentecost. And on this Sunday we see the goal, the ripe fruit of God's gift that was given to us in Jesus' Easter.

Being one is first and foremost something that concerns the intimate life of Jesus and the Father: for Jesus affirms that he and the Father are one (“that they may be one, just as we are one” - Jn 17:22). But being one is also what Jesus asks for us, his desire: that all may be one (Jn 17:21), just as it has always been between him and the Father.

But what does it mean to be one?

On the morning of May 29, 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), departed for Athens, Greece, for an official visit, accompanied by a delegation from the Cilician Brotherhood.

The opening ceremony of the Armenian Heritage Conference commenced on May 27, 2025, in Bern, Switzerland. The event was organized by the World Council of Churches in partnership with the Swiss Protestant Church.

The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks delivered by Rev. Rita Famos, President of the Protestant Church in Switzerland, and Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV reiterates his appeal for peace in Ukraine and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, along with the liberation of hostages and renewed efforts to protect children.

By Christopher Wells

Pope Leo XIV forcefully appealed for a “ceasefire now!” in Gaza, along with the liberation of all hostages, and that humanitarian law be fully respected.

The journalist Gina Hanna conducted a television interview with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark for the program “My Church in the Diaspora,” which is broadcast on Logos TV, affiliated with the Diocese of Los Angeles.

An Armenian Heritage Conference, organized by the World Council of Churches in collaboration with the Protestant Church in Switzerland, will take place in Bern, Switzerland, on May 27 and 28. The conference will focus on the consequences of the conflict in Artsakh, specifically regarding the protection of Armenian religious and cultural heritage, the human rights of its indiginous people, and the future security of the Armenian nation.

On the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Armenian Church University Students Association (ACUSA) took part in the “Kasra, Fatha, Damma” program, hosting members from brothers of Taizé. The gathering aimed to bring together faithful from diverse communities across Lebanon to engage in discussions around issues that resonate with and unite the Lebanese people.

Lk 24:46-53

The Gospel of Luke re-reads the earthly story of Jesus by viewing it as a great journey that has a specific destination, namely Jerusalem.

It is a physical destination, but above all it is a spiritual and theological destination: Jerusalem is the place where one ascends to worship God; and Jesus, once he has ascended to Jerusalem, will offer true worship to the Father, his own life, which he offers as a gift of love for the salvation of all people.

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 the Basilica of St. Mary Major, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV venerates the icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani, prays in front of the tomb of Pope Francis, and urges Christians to grow in our devotion to Mary.

By Wojciech Rogacin and Kielce Gussie

After celebrating Mass at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. There, he prayed in the Pauline Chapel before the icon of Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People), a sacred image before which many Pontiffs, including Pope Francis, have entrusted the Church’s most important intentions.

From May 22 to May 25, 2025, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, resumed his pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Jerusalem following his return from the Vatican with a deeply meaningful visit to the town of Beit Sahour. Over four days, the Cardinal engaged in a rich tapestry of pastoral encounters, community visits, and ecumenical gatherings. He listened attentively to the hopes and struggles of the faithful, reaffirming the Church’s steadfast commitment to walking with its people—especially in times of hardship. Below are the main highlights of the visit:

Day One: A Welcome Rooted in Communion

The visit began with a vibrant and heartfelt reception at the entrance of Beit Sahour, where the Latin Parish Scouts formed a joyful line of welcome. The event was graced by the presence of Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar; Fr. Issa Hijazin, parish priest of Beit Sahour; Fr. Emmanuel, vicar priest; clergy from local churches; and civic figures, including Minister of Tourism Mr. Hani Hayek, Mayor Mr. Elias Issa Eid, and representatives from official institutions.

On 24 May 2025 the Near East School of Theology (NEST) held this year's commencement ceremony for five graduates, four of whom are Armenian, three of whom are Armenian Evangelical church members, and two of whom are in-care students* of the UAECNE. The speaker was Mr. John Sagherian, who in his message called the graduates to consider their primary task to make Jesus' presence felt through their service.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark prayed the Saturday Liturgy of the fifth week of the Holy Fifties at the Church of Virgin Mary in Ard El Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo. This was in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the laying of its foundation stone by the Thrice-Blessed Pope Shenouda III on May 29, 1975.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV renews his appeal for "dignified humanitarian aid" to enter Gaza, calling for a cessation of hostilities "whose price is paid by children, the elderly, and the sick."