His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 22, for an official three-week pontifical visit—his first West Coast trip in over a decade—marking the 30th anniversary of his enthronement. The visit will run through November 10, reports Zartonk Media.
He arrived from Toronto, Canada, accompanied by his delegation. This historic visit underscores the deep and enduring ties between the Catholicosate and the Armenian community in California.
At the airport, His Holiness was welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America; the Co-Chairmen of the Central Executive Board, Messrs. Krikor Mahseredjian and Stepan Der Bedrossian; Board members Mr. Kaidzack Zeitlian, Mr. Hrach Hagopian, and Mr. Rostom Aintablian; the Chairman of the Prelacy’s Executive Council, Mr. Vahe Hovagimian, and its members; representatives of sister organizations; H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, H.E. Archbishop Torkom Donoyan, H.E. Bishop Dajad Ashkian; and the clergy.
Addressing the community representatives and clergy gathered to welcome him, His Holiness expressed his special joy and profound satisfaction at the opportunity to visit Los Angeles once again after ten years, by the grace of God and at the invitation of the Prelacy, and to be with his people. He stated that over the course of the next ten days, he will meet with members of the community and the leadership of various organizations to gain a closer understanding of the community’s achievements, plans, and expectations.
The visit underscores the strong and lasting bond between the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia and the Armenian community of California. The trip follows months of preparation and planning, including a private meeting held in Antelias on June 20 between His Holiness and Archbishop Kegham Khacherian. The two discussed detailed plans for the visit and broader matters concerning the Western Prelacy.
His Holiness previously expressed his appreciation for the Western Prelacy’s active role in advancing the mission of the Catholicosate, and praised the participation of California Armenians in both spiritual and national initiatives. He extended his fatherly blessings and warm greetings to all the faithful members of the Western Prelacy, wishing them strength and continued success in their work, family life, and community service.
Pontifical Visit Schedule: Main Events
Below is the schedule of main events for the pontifical visit shared by the Western Prelacy:
- Thursday, October 23 at 5 p.m.: Solemn Welcoming and Blessing Ceremony, followed by a reception at St. Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood
- Sunday, October 26 (Morning): Celebration of Mass at Holy Martyrs Armenian Church in Encino
- Sunday, October 26 at 5 p.m.: Divine Liturgy and Concert marking the 30th anniversary of His Holiness’ Ordination at the Alex Theatre in Glendale
- Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m.: Pontifical Lecture: “Saving Our Planet as a Top Global Priority” at UCLA, in co-sponsorship with the UCLA Promise Institute
- Sunday, November 2 (Morning): Celebration of Mass at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale
- Sunday, November 2 at 4 p.m.: Pontifical Gala Banquet at the Universal Hilton, Universal City
- Tuesday, November 4 – Friday, November 7: Visit to the Fresno Armenian Community
- Friday, November 7 – Monday, November 10: Visit to the San Francisco Bay Area Armenian Community
The Western Prelacy emphasized its hope that the California Armenian community will participate in large numbers, to receive the inspiring messages of His Holiness, celebrate his 30 years of service, and take part in a historic moment for the diaspora.
Follow Zartonk Media and the Western Prelacy for ongoing coverage, event highlights, and reflections from this important pontifical visit.
