Catholicos Aram I visits the Azounieh Sanatorium Hospital, Birds’ Nest and the Home for the Elderly

December 2014- January 2015

His Holiness Aram I visits the Azounieh Sanatorium Hospital

29 December 2014. On Monday, His Holiness Aram I, accompanied by members of the Brotherhood, visited the Azounieh Sanatorium Hospital in the Chouf Mountains to visit the patients and the elderly residents of the sanatorium.

The Catholicos also met with the board members, the medical corps and the staff, thanking them for their service to the community. His Holiness assured the residents of the continued care of the community, and, with the help of the clergy, distributed gifts. After the singing of Christmas hymns and prayers, the Catholicos gave his blessings and promised to return at Easter.

His Holiness Aram I Visits the Birds’ Nest

Since his consecration as Catholicos, His Holiness Aram I has visited the orphans, the aged and the needy living in the institutions of the Catholicosate on the eve of the major feasts of the Armenian Church. Through his visits and personal contacts, he lives the diakonia (service to the needy) of the ancient church and sets an example for the young clergy.

The Catholicos first visited Birds’ Nest, the children’s home, where he was met by the Kayanian Sisters, the members of the Board, the director and the school. After a brief meeting with them, he joined the children and participated in their programme. At the end of the children’s presentations, Santa Claus arrived and distributed special gifts to the children. After sharing the joy of the children as they opened their gifts, His Holiness blessed them and returned to Antelias.

His Holiness Aram I at the Home for the Elderly in Bourj Hammoud

30 December 2014. On Monday, His Holiness Aram I, accompanied by members of the brotherhood, visited the Home for the Elderly in Bourj Hammoud, his last pastoral visit of 2014.

The members of the Board and the Directorate welcomed the Catholicos, who thanked them for their care of and commitment to the elderly. Addressing the residents, His Holiness assured them of the continued care of the community. He said that every member of the community is called to respond to the call of Jesus to serve according to his or her ability because “the greatest are those who serve (Matt. 23:11-12).”

After attending the special cultural programme of poetry and Christmas hymns and songs, the clergy distributed gifts and His Holiness Aram I thanked the residents and staff for their good wishes and gave them his blessing.

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