CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDINATION OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE PRIESTHOOD
ArmenianOrthodoxChurch.org – June 2018
On Saturday, June 9th, 2018, thousands were gathered in front of the Martyrs’ Monument at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Bikfaya to celebrate the 50th anniversary of His Holiness Aram I’s ordination to the priesthood. The Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Harout Fazlian, and Soprano Hasmik Babian performed on this occasion. Representatives of diplomats, community and religious leaders, as well as people from all over the Armenian Diaspora had gathered in Bikfaya to congratulate His Holiness.
Mrs. Seta Khedeshian, member of the National Assembly’s Lay Council, addressed the public. She expressed the great privilege and honor in speaking on this occasion, as well as the difficulty of the task, given the rich legacy of His Holiness in national, religious and cultural service to his people, the broader church, as well as humanity. She gave a brief account of the Catholicos’ life and work, shedding light on his ministerial dedication, strong personality, impartial approach to issues concerning our church, nation, and community, as well as of his accomplishments in ecumenical and inter-religious dialogues.
Following the concert, H.G. Bishop Meghrig Parikian took the stage to express gratitude to the contributors of the concert on behalf of His Holiness Aram I. Bishop Meghrig speaking on behalf of the Cilician Brotherhood, congratulated His Holiness and offered him a gift – Pontifical Staff. The artist of the Staff is Simon Arakelian and the sponsor is Chrisdapor Adjemian.
The concert dedicated to the 50th anniversary of His Holiness’ priesthood ordination was the initiative and was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Alecco and Ani Bezikian.
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