Catholicos Aram I meets President Aoun of Lebanon

Beirut — On January 20, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and his pontifical delegation paid a visit to the newly elected President of Lebanon, General Joseph Aoun, on behalf of the Lebanese Armenian Orthodox Community. Archbishop Shahe Panossian, the Prelate of Lebanon, and Member of Parliament Hagop Pakradounian, representative of the Armenian bloc in the Lebanese Parliament, joined His Holiness.
Welcoming President Aoun’s election, His Holiness stated that a new chapter is opening in Lebanon’s history. He mentioned that the president’s inauguration speech reflected a wise and courageous attitude, which inspired hope among the people. His Holiness emphasized that during these challenging times for Lebanon, the President’s efforts should be viewed as a mission aimed at saving the nation.
His Holiness also briefed the President on the mission of the Holy See in Cilicia, both in Lebanon and worldwide, through its prelacies and affiliated structures.
President Aoun expressed his gratitude to His Holiness Aram I and the Armenian community for their love and good wishes. He highlighted the importance of the Armenian community’s participation in the government and the restoration of Lebanon, stressing the need for all communities to collaborate in leading Lebanon towards prosperity.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness presented President Aoun with a copy of the “Gospel of Partserpert.”
After the meeting, His Holiness and Pakradounian had a separate consultation with the President regarding the formation of the new government.