WESTWOOD–A conference focusing on Armenian Cilicia–organized by Prof. Richard Hovannisian and the UCLA Modern Chair for Armenian Studies was held from Oct. 19 and 20 at the university. This conference was presided over by His Holiness Aram I–Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia.
The Catholicos was in Los Angeles to preside over celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary of Armenia’s adoption of Christianity.
The conference was convened by organized of Armenia historic cities and provinces series Prof. Richard Hovannisian–who welcomed the academicians presenting important testimonials about the life–culture and history of Cilicia–as well as the capacity filled community members who were attending the conference.
Hovannisian invited UCLA Chancellor Albert Carnesale to make welcoming remarks.
In his remarks–the Catholicos said that while he does not come from historic Cilicia–he comes from a spiritual Cilicia–the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia.
He thanked and commended Prof. Hovannisian for undertaking the organization of this historic conference.
"Until today–this has been the only such symposium on Cilicia–which is all-encompassing. It is presenting issues–which thus far have not been addressed about Cilicia," remarked the Catholicos.
The pontiff also praised the internationally renowned academician who presented the topics during the conference.