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Antelias: Luncheon in honor of His Holiness Aram I in Montreal

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  • Antelias: Luncheon in honor of His Holiness Aram I in Montreal

    PRESS RELEASE
    Catholicosate of Cilicia
    Communication and Information Department
    Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
    Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
    Fax: (04) 419724
    E- mail: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.cathcil.org/

    PO Box 70 317
    Antelias-Lebanon

    Armenian version: http://www.cathcil.org/v04/doc/Armenian.htm


    A LUNCHEON IN HONOR OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

    "ANTELIAS AND I HAVE BECOME UNITED. ENSURING OUR PEOPLE'S
    PRINCIPAL INTERESTS HAS BEEN OUR ONLY PATH"

    SAYS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

    A luncheon organized on September 24 in the "Gamk" stadium of the "Armenian
    Center" in Montreal in honor of His Holiness Aram I turned into a heartfelt
    meeting between the Catholicos and numerous believers.

    "Antelias and I have become united. Ensuring our people's principal
    interests has been our only path," said His Holiness to the believers
    gathered in his honor.

    Mr. Jean Arakelian, chairman of the board of trustees of the St. Hagop
    church, delivered the opening remarks of the luncheon which was dedicated to
    the 10th anniversary of His Holiness' enthronement.

    A long time associate of His Holiness Aram I, Dr. Garbis Harboyan, delivered
    the lecture of the day, briefly talking about the main aspects of Aram I's
    life and work.

    Speaking about the Catholicos' achievements, Dr. Harboyan said: "Although
    ten years is a short period of time, great work has been achieved in the
    spiritual, cultural, educational, construction, ecumenical, inter-religious,
    political and social service fields."

    "His Holiness' strong personality and flexible diplomacy brought an
    awakening to the Cilician Holy Seat, its Seminary, brotherhood and cultural
    mission."

    The speaker highlighted His Holiness' dedication to his people. He
    considered the construction of 70 apartments for newly wed Armenian couples
    as well as the extra care shown towards the Azounieh National Sanatorium,
    the national house for the elderly and the Birds' Nest orphanage as examples
    of this dedication.

    Dr. Harboyan presented His Holiness as a dedicated spiritual leader, a true
    intellectual, an inspiring orator, a brave messenger and a prime defender of
    the Armenian Cause. In this respect he highlighted the work carried out by
    His Holiness Aram I in the international arena for the restoration of the
    Armenian nation's rights.

    Mr. Krikor Kouyoumdjian, chairman of the National Committee of the diocese
    also welcomed His Holiness. Ara Babian, the Ambassador of Armenia to Canada
    congratulated the 10th anniversary of His Holiness' enthronement on behalf
    of the Armenian government.

    Prelate of the diocese of Montreal, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian spoke about
    His Holiness' qualities as a leader on the national, ecclesiastical,
    political, international, inter-religious and ecumenical levels.

    On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of His Holiness' enthronement Rev
    Karnig Koyounian of the St. Hagop church prepared a book entitled "Aram I
    for the Renewal of Armenian Theological Thought".

    The book presented His Holiness' contribution to the development of Armenian
    theological thought through a comprehensive analysis of the theological
    works the Catholicos has published in Armenian, French and English.

    His Holiness Aram I expressed satisfaction at the warm welcome he received
    at the diocese of Montreal. Upon the request of Prelate Archbishop Hagopian,
    His Holiness presented medals of Honor to several Armenians dedicated to
    their community in Montreal.

    Mrs. Aghavni Eloyan received the "St. Mesrob Mashdots" Medal for her long
    time cultural and social activities. Mrs. Bertha Minassian-Heller, one of
    the philanthropists of the St. Hagop Church and school, was given the Medal
    of "Cilician Knight".

    Dr. Jean Arakelian and Mrs. Azadouhi (mother of philanthropist Mihran
    Aghbabian from Laval) also received medals of "Cilician Knighthood". His
    Holiness commended the active work carried out by Primate Archbishop
    Hagopian by giving him a special cross for archbishops.

    His Holiness then considered the collective efforts of Armenians as the
    source of all that was achieved during the past decade.

    "The principal and everlasting work for us is service. Our nation grows
    through what we give it with dedication and commitment and we grow with our
    nation. Our nation is enriched and we become enriched by it," said His
    Holiness.

    "I did not work alone during the past years. I have always believed in
    collective work. I have never wanted to remain in closed and narrow circles.
    I have wanted the same for all our institutions and organizations. We should
    open up and come out of narrow circles."

    The luncheon also had its share of entertainment with Nayiri Piloyan leading
    erformances by Armenian and Canadian violinists.

    Enthusiastic believers made generous donations to the Seminary of the
    Catholicosate of Cilicia. Miss Ovsanna Zeitounian and the church's spiritual
    sisters donated $ 5000 each and Mrs. Bertha Heller contributed with $
    30,000.

    Prominent philanthropists and Cilician Knights Mr. and Mrs. Dikran and
    Dianna Hadjetian established a fund of $ 75,000 for the Seminary and donated
    $ 25,000 to the St. Hagop School.

    The event was concluded with "Cilicia" and "I Veh Partsants".

    ##
    The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
    the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
    the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
    Catholicosate, http://www.cathcil.org/ The Cilician Catholicosate, the
    administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.
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