On Thursday, October 23, 2025, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I met with the clergy of the Armenian Prelacy of the Western United States at the Prelacy headquarters in Los Angeles, where he delivered his patriarchal message and blessing.
Upon his arrival, His Holiness was greeted at the entrance by the clergy of the Western Prelacy. The pontifical procession then proceeded to the Prelacy chapel to the hymn “Rejoice,” where a prayer of thanksgiving was offered.
Following the prayer, a special meeting took place in the Prelacy Hall with the clergy. Addressing the assembled priests, His Holiness underscored the vital importance of fraternal love, cooperation, and the continued strengthening of service to God, the Church, and the Armenian people.
After the meeting, representatives of the Prelacy administration and the Ladies’ Guild approached His Holiness to receive his patriarchal blessing.
A brotherly gathering followed, attended by the clergy of the Western Prelacy together with His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate of the said Prelacy, His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, His Eminence Archbishop Torkom Donoyan, His Grace Bishop Dadjad Ashekian, Very Rev. Fr. Myron Aznikian, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Very Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian, Very Rev. Fr. Levon Yeghiayan, Very Rev. Fr. Ashod Khachadourian, and Very Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian.
Welcoming His Holiness on behalf of the clergy, Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian expressed his filial joy over the Catholicos’s pontifical visit, noting that the presence of the Armenian Patriarch brings renewed spiritual strength to both the clergy and the faithful. On behalf of the assembled priests, he also congratulated His Holiness on the 30th anniversary of his election and consecration as Catholicos, wishing him many years of fruitful service to the Armenian Church and people.
In his address, His Holiness Aram I offered his pontifical message and blessing, reminding the clergy that: “The Church is not merely a structure or a ritual. Its self-expression should not be confused with its essence. The Church is a servant mission directed to the people. Christ went to the people. Through His teachings and miracles, He revealed the heavenly truths and values He brought into the world. As spiritual servants called to continue Christ’s mission, we must go to the people and make the Church a living presence in their lives.”
Expanding on his message, His Holiness emphasized that while administrative duties are part of church life, the mission of the clergy must go beyond routine and structure: “It is essential to develop programs that nurture the spiritual and moral lives of our people with biblical principles and Christian values. Let us remember that the Church is not a stone building, but a community of faith, and it is through the active participation of this community that the Church becomes strong and radiant.”
Reflecting on the sacred calling of the clergy, His Holiness concluded: “The clergyman must not become only a ritual performer, but a spiritual shepherp, a servant presence in the lives of his people. He should not limit his work to administration, but be the spiritual father of his parish, in constant contact with families, the sick, the elderly, and those in need, distributing God’s blessings among them. This is how I expect the Armenian clergy to live and serve in the spiritual mission of our Church.”
