Lebanon Mourns Murdered Archimandrite; President Vows Justice, Funeral Arrangements Announced
armenianorthodoxchurch.org
OCP News Service – 01/02/2025
Beirut– Lebanon: Archimandrite Anania Kojanian, the Episcopal Vicar for the Armenian Orthodox Church in Lebanon, was found dead at his home in Bsalim, Metn, on February 1, 2025. He was 40 years old and oversaw the Armenian community in Zahle and Anjar. His body was discovered after he failed to respond to calls.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Preliminary reports suggest robbery as a possible motive.
President Joseph Aoun expressed his condolences to Catholicos Aram I Keshishian of the Armenian Orthodox Church. In a phone call, President Aoun condemned the crime and pledged that those responsible would be found and prosecuted. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati also offered condolences to Catholicos Aram I and directed authorities to expedite the investigation.
The murder has drawn widespread reactions. MP Razi al-Hage, on X (formerly Twitter), criticized the rising crime rate and cited a lack of border control, claiming the perpetrators were Syrian workers hired to paint the Archimandrite’s apartment. Industry Minister Georges Bouchikian called the crime “horrific” and an attempt to sow division. He assured the public that security forces were actively investigating.
Funeral services for Archimandrite Kojanian have been announced. With the blessing of Catholicos Aram I, the extreme unction will take place on Tuesday (February 04,2025) morning at 9:00 AM at Sourp Boghos Church in Ainjar. Following the service, the body will be transported to the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias for final burial rites at the Zarehian mausoleum at 2:30 PM.
Source:
OCP News Service
