His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has embarked on his Pontifical Visit to the parishes of the Eastern Prelacy of the United States. The visit, which began on Friday, October 4, in Providence, Rhode Island, has been organized under the leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy. The visit is intended to strengthen the spiritual bonds between the Great House of Cilicia and its American parishes, offering guidance and reflections on both contemporary issues and the enduring values of faith.
Before the official beginning of the visit, upon his arrival to New York, His Holiness, joined by the Prelate, received Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, and members of the Board of Trustees on Thursday, October 3. The visitors reported to His Holiness about the activities and future plans of the Cathedral. The Cathedral, on the occasion, made a substantial donation to the Armenian Theological Seminary of the Catholicosate in a show of support for its critically important educational activities. His Holiness also received Richard Carolan Jr., president of the Richard and Tina Carolan Foundation, who has been a longtime supporter of the Catholicosate and the Eastern Prelacy. The meeting was also an occasion to assess the activities and the priorities of the Church in the social, humanitarian and educational realms.
Catholicos Aram I was welcomed upon his arrival at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence by Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor, and representatives from various community organizations. The church was filled with parishioners eager to greet the Catholicos, who began his visit with a traditional Hrashapar service. Following the service, Archbishop Anoushavan addressed the faithful, expressing gratitude for His Holiness’s visit and the spiritual renewal it represents. The Prelate spoke of his confidence that this visit would mark the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Armenian Church in the region.
In his remarks, Catholicos Aram I emphasized the centrality of the Lord’s Prayer, which he has chosen as the focal point for his spiritual reflections throughout the Pontifical Visit. He delivered his message in both Armenian and English, speaking about the meaning of prayer and its power to bring people together in faith. His Holiness also commended Archbishop Anoushavan’s leadership and expressed appreciation for the dedication shown by the clergy and lay leaders of the church.
Saturday, October 5 began with a visit from Judge Frank Caprio with Catholicos Aram I, during which His Holiness expressed his appreciation for the judge’s work and offered his blessing. The Catholicos also visited the Saturday school of Sts. Vartanantz Church, where he met with students and teachers. His Holiness held a forum with the youth and encouraged the young people to embrace their heritage and take pride in their culture, reminding them of the importance of education in preserving Armenian identity. Later in the day, the Catholicos visited the Armenian Historical Association of Rhode Island Providence, where he had the opportunity to peruse the museum’s current exhibits.
The Catholicos also held a series of meetings with National Representative Assembly delegates and representatives from the Board of Trustees, church’s affiliated organizations, and leaders from sister organizations such as the Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen, and the Armenian Youth Federation. During these discussions, His Holiness stressed the need for revitalization within the Armenian diaspora, urging community members to adapt to contemporary challenges without abandoning the values and traditions that have sustained the Armenian people for centuries. He emphasized that it is essential to remain flexible in the face of societal change while maintaining a strong connection to Armenian identity.
Catholicos Aram I celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church, accompanied by Archbishop Anoushavan and Archbishop Kegham, Prelate of the Western Prelacy. His sermon centered on the words of Christ: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The Catholicos urged the congregation to stay true to their faith, which he described as a beacon of light and hope, particularly during difficult times. The service was a deeply spiritual moment for the community, and many expressed their appreciation for His Holiness’s visit and the message of renewal he brought. It was especially meaningful for the community, for it was the first time in the church’s 84-year history that a Pontifical Divine Liturgy was celebrated.
In the evening, a banquet was held in honor of the Catholicos at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island. The event brought together members of the church and community to express their gratitude for the Catholicos’s leadership. It featured speeches from Col. Aram Sarafian, Chairman of the Executive Council; Levon Attarian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sts. Vartanantz Church; and Fr. Kapriel. Archbishop Anoushavan offered a message of gratitude on behalf of the Religious and Executive Councils, emphasizing the significance of the Catholicos’s visit during a time of crisis in the Middle East. His Holiness expressed his appreciation for the community’s warm welcome and their dedication to the Armenian Church. In his message, the Catholicos reflected on the facts that we are a community of values, principles, and ideals, and we are a family that serves to the nation and the Church with multiples levels of responsibility. His Holiness expressed his praise for the role of the youth in the life of the Armenian community of Providence. The young people who had participated in a summer course organized by the Catholicosate in Antelias a few years ago were also part of the artistic program.
His Holiness took the opportunity to recognize two distinguished members of the community for their long-standing service: Maggie Nalbandian was awarded the medal of St. Mesrob Mashdots, and Hagop Khatchadourian was honored with the order of Knight of Cilicia. Both individuals were praised for their dedication to the Armenian Church and the Providence community.
On Sunday evening, the Catholicos welcomed Bishop Richard Henning, Archbishop-designate of the Archdiocese of Boston and Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, at Sts. Vartanantz Church. The meeting was attended by Archbishop Anoushavan and Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian. His Holiness praised Bishop Henning’s close relationship with the Armenian community and his participation in events organized by the Armenian Church. Catholicos Aram I also spoke about his recent visit to the Vatican, where he met with Pope Francis and other high-ranking ecclesiastics. The Catholicos underscored the importance of ecumenical relations between the Holy See of Cilicia and the Vatican, and he expressed his hope that these positive relations would continue to grow, particularly on the local level.
His Holiness received a visit from Senator Jack Reed, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, at Sts. Vartanantz Church on Monday, October 7. During their meeting, the Catholicos discussed the Armenian diaspora’s role in the United States and the current situation in Lebanon. His Holiness emphasized the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire in the country, which has been involved in a crisis of global magnitude. The meeting underscored the Catholicos’s ongoing efforts to engage with international leaders on matters of importance to the Armenian people and the broader Middle East. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I also met with Representatives Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner, as well as Rhode Island Treasurer James Diossa, State Senator David Tikoian, and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, among others. His Holiness’s meeting with Mayor Smiley further solidified the connection between the Armenian Church and the local government, reflecting the community’s deep roots in the region.
Prior to a farewell luncheon in His Holiness’ honor, he presided over an ecumenical service in the sanctuary with members of the state’s Orthodox clergy.
The Catholicos and his entourage traveled from Providence to Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, where they visited the St. Gregory Church in the Indian Orchard neighborhood. His entourage included Archbishop Anoushavan, Archbishop Kegham, and Col. Sarafian. Upon arrival, the Catholicos was welcomed by Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian, Pastor, and the Board of Trustees. After the Hrashapar service, His Holiness expressed his joy at visiting the church for the second time, recalling his visits as a student in New York. He emphasized the church as the house of God and the congregation as God’s chosen people, encouraging everyone to actively participate in the church’s life.
The day concluded with a banquet, where several community leaders spoke, including the pastor, Colonel Sarafian, and Archbishop Anoushavan. The Catholicos concluded by stressing the importance of cooperation between the leadership and the parish, and he urged young university students to value education and serve their church and community. The next morning, the Catholicos met with the Board of Trustees before traveling to Worcester.
On October 8, His Holiness arrived in Worcester and was welcomed at Holy Trinity Church by Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian, Pastor, and members of the Board of Trustees. Addressing the congregation, the Catholicos emphasized the importance of ecumenical relations, highlighting the unity of the church. He also reflected on the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer, focusing on the phrase “Our Father, who art in heaven.” Afterward, a banquet was held in his honor, and the Sunday School students performed a program. His Holiness praised the dedication of the Pastor and encouraged the congregation to remain active in church life.
On October 9, after meeting with local officials in Worcester, the Catholicos traveled to Whitinsville. There, he offered a prayer of thanksgiving at a newly built memorial honoring the town’s role in welcoming Armenian Genocide survivors. His Holiness praised the initiative as a symbol of gratitude to the local authorities and Armenian resilience. Later, he visited Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, where he continued his reflection on the Lord’s Prayer, focusing on the sanctity of God’s name. After a warm reception in the church hall, the Catholicos departed for Boston.
The Pontifical Visit will continue with additional stops across the parishes of the Eastern Prelacy, offering spiritual guidance and fostering unity among the Armenian communities.
