In a highlight of his pontifical visit, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I dedicated a full day to Silicon Valley, the global epicenter of technological innovation. The visit, focused on the frontiers of engineering and artificial intelligence, featured high-level dialogues with industry leaders and culminated in the conferral of the prestigious “Saint Mesrob Mashdots” Insignia upon Dr. Yervant Zorian.
Guided by Dr. Zorian, a Chief Architect at Synopsys, His Holiness and his delegation received exclusive tours and briefings at the headquarters of Nvidia, Intel, and Apple. Company representatives detailed their latest breakthroughs, with a special emphasis on AI innovation.
His Holiness engaged deeply with the presentations, posing insightful questions and reflecting on the ethical and theological dimensions of rapid technological progress. To experience the technology firsthand, he participated in live demonstrations, including Apple’s “Vision Pro” headset, Waymo’s self-driving car, and a Tesla all-electric vehicle.
The visits fostered a profound dialogue between spiritual leadership and technological pioneers, with executives expressing admiration for His Holiness’s thoughtful engagement with the intersection of faith and science.
The program continued with a luncheon hosted by Intel Corporation, where His Holiness met with senior executives, including Mr. Kevork Keshishian.
As part of his tour, His Holiness also visited Stanford University, where he met with a group of Armenian students. He offered his blessings and encouragement, underscoring the vital role of the next generation in shaping a future guided by wisdom and moral courage.
The day concluded with a dinner graciously hosted by Dr. Yervant and Mrs. Rita Zorian in honor of His Holiness and his delegation. In a moving ceremony, His Holiness expressed his profound appreciation for Dr. Zorian’s distinguished career and his unwavering commitment to bridging technological innovation with Armenian educational initiatives. In recognition of these enduring contributions, His Holiness conferred upon Dr. Zorian the “Saint Mesrob Mashdots” Insignia.
Accompanying Delegation:
His Holiness was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate of the Western Diocese of North America; His Grace Bishop Dajad Ashekian, Chancellor of the Catholicosate; Mr. Krikor Mahserejian, Co-Chairman of the Lay Assembly of the Catholicosate Central Council; Mr. Rosdom Aynteblian, council member; V. Rev. Fr. Hovaguim Panjarjian, Director of the Media Department; V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Abrahamian, Director of the Middle Eastern Section of the Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Department and Staff bearer; Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in San Francisco; and Mr. Matt Senekeremian, Chairman of the Church Board of Trustees.
