Aram I Consecrates Three New Bishops

armenianorthodoxchurch.org

OCP News Service and armenianorthodoxchurch.org – 25/02/2025

Antelias – Lebanon: On Sunday, February 23, 2025, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I ordained and consecrated Fr. Sahag Yemishian (Prelate of Greece), Fr. Bedros Manuelian (Pontifical vicar of Kuwait), and Fr. Dajad Ashekian (Chancellor of the Catholicosate) as bishops.

The ceremony began with a procession from the Veharan, the pontifical residence. This procession included representatives from the above mentioned prelacies, as well as the assisting bishops of the Catholicos at the altar: HE Mesrob Arch. Sarkissian and HE Torkom Arch. Donoyan, along with members of the Cilician brotherhood clergy. A special honor was bestowed upon Berj Apkarian, Takvor Hovaguimian, Razmig Karagullian, and Arsen Kalfayan, who were entrusted with carrying the canopy.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Nora Bayrakdaryan, Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon Vahakn Atapekyan, Ambassador of Greece to Lebanon Despina Koukoulopoulou, esteemed clergy members, as well as the families and friends of the recipients.

During the ceremony, His Holiness Aram I consecrated the foreheads and right hands of the three priests with the Holy Muron, gave them their episcopal rings and declared them Bishops. In his sermon, the Catholicos reminded them that their mission is to serve God and the Church, emphasizing the importance of witness, evangelization, and education. He encouraged them to embody true servanthood as ministers of the Church, following Christ’s example.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the bishops were warmly congratulated after the traditional washing of their foreheads, performed by their respective godparents: Arsen and Veronique Kalfayan for Bishop Sahag, Razmig Karagullian for Bishop Bedros, and Berdj and Arpi Apkarian for Bishop Dajad.

Source:
OCP News Service