Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On October 30, following the celebration of Divine Liturgy, a Pontifical Prayer was offered in the St. Vartan Cathedral of New York, for the 17th Anniversary of the Enthronement of the Catholicos of All Armenians. The services were offered under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; who traveled to the USA to convene the Supreme Spiritual Council, being held from October 31 to November 4.

The Divine Liturgy was attended by the members of the Supreme Spiritual Council; clergy of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; members of the Diocesan councils of the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Dioceses of the Armenian Church of North America; philanthropists of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church; participants of the Armenian General Benevolent Union's (AGBU) 89th Assembly, and many devout Armenian faithful.

The celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

Before the Pontifical Prayer, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, welcomed everyone and spoke about His Holiness.

Welcoming the visit of His Holiness to the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Archbishop Khajag expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for convening the meeting of the Supreme Spiritul Council, in New York. Archbishop Khajag stressed that, it is an important event in the life of the Armenians of America and a great honor to celebrate the anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness in the St. Vartan Cathedral. Archbishop Khajag congratulated His Holiness on this occasion of his 17th Anniversary of Enthronement, and offered his prayers under the singing of “God grant long life to our Catholicos; long days to the Father of Armenians.”

““Father of our people.” “Shepherd of our flock.” These are the terms we apply to the Catholicos—in every generation; from the time of St. Gregory to our own day. To our ancestors, and to us, the Vehapar is the living symbol of our heritage: a heritage that has lasted through seventeen centuries; that has gained the highest achievements and overcome the worst afflictions; and that today spans the globe.

As the successor to St. Gregory the Illuminator, Vehapar is our link to the great events that transformed our people into the world’s first Christian nation. He is our link to that miraculous vision of Christ, which established the Mother See of our church: Holy Etchmiadzin. Having His Holiness among us—as he is today—is to experience a re-birth of those great milestones of faith.

Today, we remember that His Holiness Karekin II symbolizes another re-birth, as well. For our homeland has also been reborn. It has been God’s great blessing on our generation that we have lived to see the birth of a free, independent Republic of Armenia. So many great possibilities are now open to our people. And here again, Vehapar is the leader in the development and growth of our homeland. He is a reminder both of our great past, and of the promise that Armenia holds for the future.

Vehapar’s valiant spirit calls each of us to build on the foundation we have inherited: to strengthen it for the future” stated Archbishop Khajag.

Archbishop Khajag stressed that the task of re-building our homeland, restoring our church, renewing the faith of our people—in America, Armenia, and elsewhere—is an enormous undertaking. “It requires a courageous leader like our Vehapar; but it also requires the united faith and dedication of every Armenian heart.” Expressing gratitude to His Holiness on behalf of the clergy, for his spiritual leadership and efforts, Archbishop Khajag gave his assurance that they will continue to support His Holiness in implementing his patriotic and national-ecclesiastical visions.

“May our Lord grant a new birth of faith—a new life—to all the members of His humble Armenian flock.”

His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, Patriarchal Vicar General of Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, led the clergy and faithful people in offering a sincere prayer to God, for the strength and vibrancy of the Pontiff of All Armenians.

An official reception was held following the services, during which Archbishop Khajag, and Deacon James Galustyan, Eastern Diocese Diocesan Council Chairman and Supreme Spiritual Council member; gave opening remarks.

Remarks were also mde by Ms. Lara Setrakiyan who spoke on the achievements of His Holiness during his reign, following which, a film by on His Holiness by the “Shoghakat” TV was shown.

To close the reception the Catholicos of All Armenians offered his blessings and remarks of appreciation.

Expressing gratitude to the clergymen and laymen for their warmth and love, His Holiness stated that the accomplishments made during his enthronement were achieved due to the support and devoted service of the clergy, and the important role of the AGBU. His Holiness expressed his gratitude and appreciation to everyone who offered their support in the realization of his visions. The Catholicos of All Armenians stated that the works followed one goal, to make the mission of the Armenian Church continuous in the life of Armenians and the inexhaustible source of divine grace, through which the national life will strengthen in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora.

The Catholicos of All Armenians stressed that the current challenges and difficulties need to be overcome through loyalty to their ancestors’ faith, so that the Armenian people never experience the pain of new losses and that Armenians do not abandon their roots and national identity.

His Holiness confirmed that the nation's longevity is based on the creation of a powerful and secure homeland, which requires unconditional love, devotion and spirit of sacrifice. “We urge our children to live each day of their life by consciously reaffirming their duty to the nation, Homeland and Church. It is this consciousness which will keep the faith, the spirit of optimism, and hope for a bright future, strong inside us, through which we will be able to create today’s miracles”, said His Holiness.

At the conclusion, the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his Pontifical blessings to the Diocesan Primates and the Diocesan Council Chairmen for celebrating the anniversary of his enthronement and prayed that the Lord keep Armenian life safe, tranquil and peaceful.
On the occasion of the 17th Anniversary of His Enthronement, the "Noyan Tapan" sculputre by renowned artist Michael Aram, was gifted to the Catholicos of All Armenians.

During the event, the “Shushi” dance ensemble of the St. Vartan Cathedral, singer Yegishe Manoucharyan, and pianist Ivy Adrian gave performances.