Los Angeles Community Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Catholicos Aram I’s Enthronement
Community celebrated 30th anniversary of Catholicos Aram I’s enthronement at the Alex Theatre in Glendale on Oct. 26
Meher Der Ohanessian Awarded ‘Prince of Cilicia’ Medal by Aram I
The Armenian community of Los Angeles packed Glendale’s historic Alex Theatre on Sunday for a special event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, who is on a Pontifical Visit of the Western Prelacy.
Organized by the Western Prelacy, the celebration featured a cultural program developed and sponsored by the “Meher and Satin Der Ohanessian” Foundation.
The Catholicos expressed his gratitude to Mher Der Ohannessian, for his decades of service and dedication to the Western Prelacy and the Cilician Catholicosate, and awarded him the “Prince of Cilicia” medal—the highest honor bestowed upon an individual for their generosity and support.
Joining the Catholicos’ entourage at the event were the Western Prelacy Religious and Executive councils, the boards of trustees of local churches and parishes, representatives of community organizations, among them Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member Daron Der Khachadourian.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Very Reverend Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of the St. Mary Armenian Church in Glendale. He paid tribute to Catholicos Aram I, describing him as “a shepherd, teacher, leader, and prophetic voice in our contemporary world,” whose words and deeds have consistently reflected God’s truth and embodied justice, compassion, and service.
Deacon Suren Hazarian, addressed the audience in English, focusing on the Catholicos’ vision and leadership. He praised the Poniff as “a courageous patriarch who has always led his flock toward the light,” noting that from his first day, His Holiness Aram I has sought to renew the Church, strengthen parishes, and bring faith closer to the people.
Hazarian highlighted the Catholicos’s commitment to engaging youth and women in church life, concluding with heartfelt wishes for his continued health and many more years of service.
Former Western Prelate Archbishop Torkom Donoyan then reflected on the profound impact of His Holiness in interfaith relations, national service, and global Armenian leadership. He described the Catholicos as “a deep-rooted faith, a thoughtful intellectual, a fearless messenger, and a vigilant guardian of the Armenian nation.”
“You are the ideal Patriarch for your flock and for all of us, for you have turned the Armenian Church into an open door of service, healing the pain of the helpless, the wounded, and all our people,” Donoyan affirmed.
Following the speeches, the audience enjoyed a performance of Armenian and international classical music by renowned artists and the Hamazkayin Choir.
Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khacherian then expressed the honor and joy of the Western Prelacy’s parishioners and supporters.
“We are honored to celebrate Your Holiness’ presence among us and to mark this milestone with a concert prepared in Your honor,” Khacherain said, concluding with prayers for the Catholicos’ continued health and many bright years of leadership.
The Catholicos delivered the final address, emphasizing that “the Church, by its very nature and mission, is service.”
“To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pontiff is to recognize thirty years of faithful service, a mission that has been complete, purposeful, and far-reaching, extending beyond the Church’s walls to embrace the entire Armenian nation and even the broader international community.” He urged for continued renewal, reminding the faithful that “our approaches, words, and works must correspond to the realities and expectations of our people today,” the Catholicos said, reflecting on his three decades of ministry.
