On Monday, January 20, 2025, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia paid a congratulatory visit to Lebanon’s newly elected President, General Joseph Aoun, on behalf of the Lebanese Armenian Orthodox Community. The delegation included HE Archbishop Shahe Panossian, the Prelate of Lebanon, and MP Hagop Pakradounian, representative of the Armenian bloc in the Lebanese Parliament.
Aram I welcomed Aoun’s election, describing it as the opening of a new chapter in Lebanon’s history. He praised the president’s inauguration speech for its wise and courageous attitude, which he said inspired hope among the people. His Holiness emphasized that during these challenging times for Lebanon, the president’s efforts should be viewed as a mission aimed at saving the nation. His Holiness briefed President Aoun on the mission of the Holy See in Cilicia, both in Lebanon and in its worldwide prelacies, and affiliated structures.
President Aoun highlighted the importance of the Armenian community’s participation in the government and the restoration of Lebanon, stressing the need for all communities to collaborate in leading Lebanon towards prosperity. Aoun expressed his gratitude to His Holiness Aram I and the Armenian community for their love and good wishes.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness presented President Aoun with a copy of the “Gospel of Partserpert.”
After the meeting, Aram I and MP Pakradounian had a separate consultation with President Aron regarding the formation of the new government.
