Aram I, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Cilicia, is currently on his sixth diocesan visit to Cyprus, a four-day journey that coincides with the 30th anniversary of his enthronement. This visit comes at a critical time for Armenia, which is facing political and security challenges amid a landscape of hostile nations.
Photo: financialmirror.com
- As this significant visit unfolds, the Armenian community in Cyprus looks forward to His Holiness Aram I's messages of hope and unity, which resonate deeply in these challenging times.
During his time in Cyprus, Aram I aims to promote messages of world peace and unity within the Armenian community. Having previously travelled to Armenian communities across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, he emphasises the importance of reorganising the Armenian Diaspora. “The reorganisation of the Armenian Diaspora and the preparation of the manpower should become the priority of our Holy See of Cilicia,” he stated, highlighting the need to revive Armenian schools that have been declining in recent years.
This visit marks a significant milestone, being the sixth time His Holiness has travelled to Cyprus, one of the oldest dioceses in the Armenian Orthodox Church, which has roots dating back to the tenth century. The Catholicos has a long-standing connection to the region, particularly after the Armenian Genocide led to the relocation of the Catholicossate from the historical city of Sis in Cilicia to Lebanon in 1930. His regular attendance at inter-faith meetings in Cyprus underscores the ongoing dialogue and collaboration he fosters within the region.
Accompanied by a five-member delegation, Aram I plans to meet with parishioners across various towns. His itinerary includes visits to the churches of Sourp Stepanos (Saint Stephen) in Larnaca and Sourp Kevork (Saint George) in Limassol. Additionally, he will be the guest of honour at a community banquet in Nicosia on Saturday evening, where he will continue to engage with the local Armenian community.
On Sunday morning, the Catholicos will officiate a divine liturgy at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin church in Nicosia, followed by delivering his patriarchal sermon. Following this, he is expected to visit the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, where he will discuss pertinent matters concerning the Armenian Church and its diaspora.
On Monday, Aram I will meet with prominent figures including President Nikos Christodoulides and Archbishop George III, head of the autocephalus Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus. This meeting is crucial in fostering relationships and discussing shared concerns between the Armenian community and the Cypriot leadership.
An important stop on his agenda will be the Nareg Armenian school in Nicosia, where he plans to address primary pupils and gymnasium students, thus reinforcing the importance of education and cultural preservation among the younger generation.
As this significant visit unfolds, the Armenian community in Cyprus looks forward to His Holiness Aram I’s messages of hope and unity, which resonate deeply in these challenging times.
Leave a Reply