The Western Prelacy of the Armenian Church in the USA hosted an official banquet in honor of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Sunday evening, November 2, 2025 at the Hilton Universal in Los Angeles. The event, attended by over 1,000 guests—including benefactors, clergy, and community representatives—celebrated the pontifical visit of His Holiness and the 30th anniversary of his enthronement.
Talar Boyajian was the Master of Ceremonies. The evening opened with the national anthems of the United States and Armenia, followed by remarks from Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Prelacy, who expressed the community’s deep honor in welcoming His Holiness after nine years and emphasized the visit’s unifying and revitalizing impact.
After an artistic program and a commemorative video presentation, Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate, addressed the gathering, describing the pontifical visit as “the bell of a new stage” for the community. He then presented His Holiness with a pontifical staff and ring on behalf of the diocese.
In recognition of their dedicated service and philanthropy, His Holiness bestowed the “Cilician Prince” insignia upon Dr. Eric Esrailian, Dr. Mike Sarian, Mr. and Mrs. Hovsep and Elizabeth Boyajian, Dr. Viken Hovsepian, and Mr. Koko Topalian.
In his closing message, His Holiness Aram I called upon the faithful to “strengthen their faith, reaffirm their faithfulness, and deepen their unity,” emphasizing that these values form “the core of our community and the source of our strength.” He urged the community to take this appeal “seriously and responsibly,” warning that where faith and unity weaken, integrity is lost.
His Holiness noted that the community is “actively engaged in a healing and recovery process” and reaffirmed the Catholicosate’s full support. He also shared four key reflections for the future:
1. Diversity should enrich, not divide, the community.
2. Renewal is essential—structures and institutions must evolve to meet new realities.
3. Youth must play a leading role in shaping church and community life.
4. The Church must remain alive and people-centered, not a “spiritual museum.”
“Faith, faithfulness, and togetherness,” His Holiness concluded, “should not be a slogan, but a way of life guiding our reflection and action, and sustaining our community.”
The evening concluded with a spirit of unity, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the mission of the Armenian Church and nation.
