On the final evening of his pontifical visit to Fresno, Thursday, November 6, 2025, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I met with young Armenian professionals and students for an intimate discussion over dinner.
The gathering provided a unique forum for participants to engage in a direct dialogue with His Holiness, posing questions on topics ranging from the future of the Armenian people and the role of the Church to matters of religious and interfaith relevance.
In his responses, His Holiness emphasized the indispensable role of spiritual values in the modern world. He reflected that while the human body is mortal, the soul is eternal.
“A human being is not only a physical being but a spiritual reality,” stated His Holiness. “Therefore, we must give primacy to the soul. I am pleased to see our youth today developing a deepening interest in faith, and I urge them to become fully engaged with our spiritual values, which are the foundation of our identity and strength.”
His Holiness also elaborated on the importance of the Holy Bible as a guide for life and drew insightful parallels with the teachings of other world faiths, underscoring the value of interfaith understanding.
The event was marked by a heartfelt message from Ani Hovannisian, daughter of the late historian Prof. Richard Hovannisian, who welcomed His Holiness and expressed the profound significance of his presence for the younger generation.
