His Holiness Catholicos Aram I attended the 10th Annual “Homenetmen Day” Celebration in Montebello on Friday, October 24, 2025, delivering his Pontifical Message to hundreds of attendees. Organized by the Western United States Regional Committee of the Armenian General Athletic and Scouting Union (Homenetmen), the event took place at the “Baghramian” Hall of the Holy Cross Armenian Church, with His Holiness and his delegation in attendance.
The program began with the national anthems of the United States, Armenia, and Artsakh. This was followed by welcoming remarks, an artistic program presented by the Homenetmen Central Committee, and the awarding of Medals of Honor.
Pierre Manoukian, Chairman of the Regional Committee, addressed the audience, expressing heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness. He noted that the event coincided with the 107th anniversary of Homenetmen and described His Holiness’s presence as a source of comfort and inspiration.
In his Pontifical Message and Blessing, His Holiness reflected on Homenetmen’s enduring mission as both a spiritual and educational institution. He emphasized: “Homenetmen is essentially a school, not merely a physical education organization. I wish to remind our people of this every time I meet with Homenetmen. It is true that in its structure and activities, it appears as a sports association, but in its essence and mission, it is a school. Homenetmen places special importance on religious and Armenian education, instilling in our youth spiritual, moral, and national values. In the Diaspora, where Armenian schools have not always been available, Homenetmen has served—and continues to serve—as an Armenian school. It is my pontifical exhortation that, beyond its athletic activities, Homenetmen give special attention to Armenian education, nurturing the Armenian spirit within each Armenian and crystallizing the Armenian identity.”
The celebration concluded with a collective performance of the “Cilicia” anthem.
