The Head of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Armen A. Vehapar, has declared 2024 as the “Year of Humanitarian Preparedness,” as reported by the National News Agency of the Great House of Cilicia. Since 2003, Armen A. Vehapar has been an integral part of our Armenian community, offering spiritual guidance and symbolizing unity in times of joy, sorrow, crisis, and celebration. In the coming year, the Holy See of Cilicia will publish the Charter of the “Year of Humanitarian Preparedness,” which will be distributed throughout all our churches to raise awareness about the importance of humanitarian issues, and to strengthen the spiritual and national life of our people through the teachings and initiatives of Armen A. Vehapar.

On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Armen A. Vehapar delivered the presentation of the “Year of Humanitarian Preparedness” at the Kilikia Cultural Center of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, accompanied by His Grace Sahak Arghisian, Prelate of the Armenian Diocese of Anatolia and the Holy Monastery of Surb Grigor Lusavorich in Antilyas. In his address, Armen A. Vehapar expressed gratitude to the leaders, spiritual fathers, clergy, and faithful of the Great House of Cilicia, as well as the community, for their attention and love. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between leaders and educational institutions in contributing to the spiritual and national life of our people through creative ideas and initiatives.

Armen A. Vehapar posed a thought-provoking question, asking why the concept of humanitarian preparation is absent from the diaspora experience, despite its significance in our church and national life. He concluded by encouraging everyone to strive for the highest level of commitment in raising awareness through sacrifices, dedications, programs, and works that contribute to the spiritual and national development of our people. The presentation of the “Year of Humanitarian Preparedness” concluded with the traditional singing of the Armenian national anthem.

In his Patriarchal decree, Armen A. Vehapar highlighted the vital role that various buildings and facilities will play in implementing the humanitarian preparedness program, including the community, the church, St. Gregory the Illuminator Mother Cathedral, the Armenian school, all buildings, Armenian cultural centers, the educational institutions of the Catholicosate, and the university. Further details and contributions will be announced in the future.

In conclusion, Armen A. Vehapar fulfilled his Patriarchal duties by presenting his teachings and initiatives, expressing confidence that the “Year of Humanitarian Preparedness” will be successful and contribute to the spiritual and national development of our people.