Pontifical Prayer Service Marks the 27th Anniversary of the Consecration and Enthronement of the Catholicos of All Armenians
01.11.2026
On November 1, a Pontifical Prayer Service was held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin following the Divine Liturgy, marking the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. In accordance with tradition, the Skevra Reliquary was also brought out for the veneration of the faithful.
Diocesan primates of the Armenian Church, monastic clergy of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and Armenian pilgrims attended the sacred service.
His Grace Bishop Mushegh Babayan, Director of the Administrative and Financial Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
In his sermon, Bishop Mushegh congratulated the Catholicos of All Armenians on the anniversary of his consecration and enthronement.
He reflected on His Holiness's work in the spiritual, cultural, and educational spheres, as well as his efforts to build and renovate churches. In particular, he stated:
“Today, as a nation, we celebrate the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of the Father of the Armenian people, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
He is one of the great Pontiffs who heeded the Lord's commandments, fulfilled them, and, by the Lord's word, was deemed worthy of an even greater calling — to serve in the highest office of the Apostolic See.
Twenty-seven years… This is a significant milestone, encompassing not only the Pontiff's life and ministry but also some of the most moving chapters in the modern history of an entire people, an entire generation — chapters marked by achievements and triumphs of faith.
The Catholicos ascended the Throne of the Illuminator when Armenia and the Armenian people had only just embarked upon the difficult path of independence.
These 27 years have become a remarkable chronicle of selfless service, daily prayer, tireless labor, and love for the homeland, every page of which bears witness to this dedication.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the homeland and the Church in recent years, Bishop Mushegh noted:
“Today, before this holy altar, the words of the prophet come alive in the person of our Pontiff:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.’ (Luke 4:18–19; cf. Isaiah 61:1–2)
These 27 years have been a time of proclaiming the spiritual ‘acceptable year of the Lord.’
Despite wars, economic hardships, and spiritual and political upheavals, the Catholicos has steadfastly borne the cross of responsibility entrusted to him, offering prayers for the people's well-being, peace in the homeland, and the unity of the Church.
Twenty-seven years of bearing the pontifical cross in service to the people; twenty-seven years of fulfilling a commitment made before God through good works and a lifetime of dedication.”
In conclusion, Bishop Mushegh called upon those present to join in prayer to the Heavenly Lord, asking Him, by His invincible Right Hand, to keep the foundations of our Holy Church unshaken, grant peace to our homeland, and bless our Spiritual Father with many years of good health and fruitful service, so that his pontifical staff may continue to guide the Armenian people toward salvation and eternal life.
Thereafter, a Pontifical Prayer Service was held before the Holy Altar of Descent on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the consecration and enthronement of the Catholicos of All Armenians. His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Director of the Department of External Relations and Protocol of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over the service.
Those present offered prayers to God for the steadfastness and flourishing of the Catholicosate of All Armenians and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, as well as for the good health, long life, and many years of pontifical ministry of His Holiness.
