His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, on May 10 extended cordial congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his election as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
In his official letter, Catholicos Aram I conveyed heartfelt commendations and expressed hope that the election of Pope Leo XIV would mark the beginning of a transformative new chapter in the life of the Catholic Church.
Addressing the critical challenges facing today’s world, His Holiness underscored the need for a renewed commitment to the Church’s mission and a reimagining of its evangelization efforts. He affirmed that Pope Leo XIV, with his deep pastoral experience and longstanding service, is uniquely positioned to lead the Church with wisdom and vision during this pivotal time.
Catholicos Aram I also reflected on the enduring relationship between the Holy See of Cilicia and the Vatican—one that dates back to the Cilician era and has been actively cultivated in recent decades through ongoing ecumenical cooperation and theological dialogue.
Concluding his message, the Catholicos offered prayers for God’s guidance and strength to support Pope Leo XIV as he undertakes the sacred and demanding responsibilities of his new ministry.
With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, an ordination ceremony was held on Sunday, May 11 during the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. 13 seminarians were ordained as acolytes, and 6 received the rank of subdeacon.
Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian officiated the ceremony, with Very Rev. Fr. Azad Filikian serving as the sponsor priest and Very Rev. Fr. Oshin Tchvalertanian as the celebrant of the Divine Liturgy.
Fr. Azad led the seminarians to the chancel, where Archbishop Shahan conferred the four minor ranks of the Armenian Church—reader, porter, torchbearer, and exorcist—upon the acolytes. He then bestowed the subdeaconry, placing the sacred vestment on the left hand of each newly ordained subdeacon.
In his sermon, Archbishop Shahan reflected on the importance of building one’s faith on the solid foundation of God, the “Rock.” Quoting John 6:38, he emphasized Christ’s example of fulfilling God’s will and encouraged the newly ordained to do the same. He also called on faithful families to consider the Seminary as a path for their children to serve God and the Armenian Church.
Following the ceremony, the newly ordained participated in the Divine Liturgy by serving at the altar.
