His Holiness Catholicos Aram I in Ainjar Village, Lebanon, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, paid a Pontifical visit to the Lebanese Armenian village of Ainjar, Lebanon—home to descendants of those who once lived in Mousa Ler, now under Turkish occupation—on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, to partake in a significant triple celebration: the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), the 85th anniversary of the village’s founding, and the 109th anniversary of the heroic battle of Mousa Ler.

Upon arrival, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I was warmly received by the prelate of Lebanon, the mayor of Ainjar, Church Council representatives, members of the Armenian Embassy in Lebanon, local clergymen, Lebanese Armenian community members, and the faithful. Following the traditional blessing of salt and bread, the procession moved to St. Boghos (Peter) Church, where His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Divine Liturgy and delivered a pontifical address. The ceremony concluded with the blessing of the madagh (sacrifice).

At the end of the Liturgy, an official luncheon was held in honor of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, during which he bestowed upon Gaydzag Zeiytlian the Knight of Cilicia Insignia in recognition of his dedicated service to the village and the Armenian community.

In his address at the luncheon, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I commended those who have worked tirelessly to nurture Ainjar, transforming it into a vibrant Armenian village outside of Armenia…

This news was originally published on the website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias, Lebanon. Please click here to read the full text.