In a historic moment for the Armenian community of the West Coast, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in San Francisco. This service marked the first-ever pontifical Liturgy celebrated in the church, a milestone embraced with deep reverence by the local faithful and community leaders.
Assisting His Holiness on the altar were His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian and His Eminence Archbishop Torkom Donoyan. Serving at the altar were V. Rev. Fr. Levon Yeghiayan and V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Abrahamian, while V. Rev. Fr. Ashod Khatchadourian led the liturgical hymns.
Before His Holiness’s address, Archbishop Kegham reflected on the significance of the Catholicos’s visit to the Western Diocese, highlighting the profound enthusiasm it had inspired. He emphasized that the pontifical Liturgy in San Francisco was a truly unique and historic event.
Drawing from the Gospel of John (12:46): “I have come as light into the world, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness,” His Holiness Aram I delivered his pontifical message on the divine nature of light. “During His earthly mission, Christ revealed that He is the true light of the world,” the Catholicos said. “Light is a divine creation, while darkness is merely its absence. When humanity turned away from the light, God sent His only begotten Son to become the true light of the world.”
His Holiness contrasted the fleeting and often deceptive “lights” of the world with the eternal light of Christ: “All the lights of the world are dangerous, covered with sin and darkness. The true light is the light that was revealed to the world in Bethlehem.”
Connecting this theology to the Armenian experience, he continued, “Look at our history. In the face of the darkness imposed upon us, Christ became the light of our people. With the light of Christ, we lived, struggled, and created. Even today, in this seemingly illuminated world, Christ remains the true light of our lives.”
He concluded with a heartfelt call to action, “Let us become that light. Let us walk in that light. Let us illuminate our thoughts, our deeds, and our lives with that divine light.”
Later that evening, Diocesan representatives of the Western Prelacy and the Board of Trustees of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church hosted a banquet in honor of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. Expressing his deep gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him, His Holiness commended the community’s faith and service, encouraging all to continue their mission with renewed vigor and dedication.
