Aram I Arrives in Aleppo for Historic Pontifical Visit

Aram I blesses salt and bread upon arriving in Aleppo (Photo by Studio Venus)

Praises the Will and Determination of the Armenian community of Syria

ALEPPO, Syria—His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia arrived in Aleppo on Thursday, one week after Syrian forced liberated the besieged largely Armenian-populated city for an historic pontifical visit, which drew hundreds of community members who are reeling from the war, reported the Aleppo-based Kantsasar newspaper.

Upon arriving in Aleppo, the Catholicos and his delegation were greeted in Aleppo by the Prelate of Syria, Archbishop Shahan Sarkisian, members of the Syrian-Armenian Prelacy National Assembly, Armenia’s Deputy Consul in Aleppo Armen Gevorgyan, Syrian-Armenian Member of Parliament Jirair Reyisian, as well as the representatives of numerous Aleppo-Armenian organizations and institutions.

After the traditional blessing of salt and bread, Catholicos Aram I made his way to the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, where he was welcomed by Archbishop Sarkisian on behalf of the Armenian community.

Aram I arrived in Aleppo for an historic pontifical visit (Photo by Studio Venus)

“Over the past five years, you—the Syrian-Armenian community and the Aleppo-Armenian community in particular—suffered greatly and endured tremendous difficulties. It is true, that I was not with you [physically] during these difficult five years, but rest assured that you were constantly present and central in my prayers and service,â€