LOS ANGELES—Concluding his 20-day Pontifical Visit, His Holiness Aram I left Los Angeles for Antelias Tuesday evening.
The Pontifical Visit of His Holiness officially concluded on Sunday, October 23.
On Tuesday evening, Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Clergy, Central Executive and Executive Council members, and Pontifical Committee members gathered at Los Angeles International Airport to bid farewell to the Catholicos.
The 20-day Pontifical Visit entitled “With Faith We Build,” will be recorded in the annals of Prelacy history as historic and memorable. The main themes of the Pontifical Visit were spiritual rebirth, furthering anchoring and continued progress of Armenian Schools, and reassertion of our spirit of national aspirations. The parishioners in the Los Angeles area, Fresno, Las Vegas, and San Francisco were inspired and encouraged by the message of His Holiness on these themes.
Meeting with Seminary Alumni Committee
Prior to his departure, on Monday, Catholicos Aram I met with members of the Catholicosate Seminary Alumni Committee. Archbishop Mardirossian, joined His Holiness at the meeting.
On the Feast of the Holy Translators which was celebrated two weeks prior, the Seminary Alumni Committee had organized a banquet in honor of His Holiness and dedicated to the Seminary, which brought in $350,000 for the Seminary.
His Holiness commended the Committee, which was established by the initiative of the Prelate, and noted that the work of the Committee should be a reflection of the mission of the Seminary and should more closely familiarize our faithful with the Seminary. To further this endeavor, His Holiness suggested that the Committee organize educational, social, and community events between alumni and also for the community. “We must take the Seminary to the people and let them know that the Seminary does not only prepare clergymen, it educates teachers, intellectuals, and community leaders”.
A discussion followed during which information and ideas were exchanged. Means were discussed of informing the public of the educational curriculum and endeavors of the Seminary, so that they our people is well aware of the invaluable mission of the Seminary.
