In an uplifting celebration of faith and heritage, the Armenian community in Barcelona welcomed Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Pontifical Legate of the Armenian Church in Western Europe, as he introduced Father Aram Tilikyan as the new pastor serving Barcelona and its surrounding Armenian communities.

The Armenians have a long and meaningful history in Spain, with roots dating back centuries through waves of migration and settlement. Today, the Armenian community in Spain numbers about 40,000, with approximately 10,000 Armenians living in and around Barcelona. The city has long served as a vibrant center for Armenian cultural and religious life.

During the Divine Liturgy celebrated on Sunday, November 16, at the Catholic Church of Saint Mary the Queen in Barcelona, Archbishop Barsamian offered words of encouragement and guidance to the faithful. In his sermon, he honored the devoted service of previous pastors—Fathers Sassoun, Shnork, and, more recently, Father Ghevont—and praised the dedication of community members who have laid the groundwork for a thriving Armenian Church in Barcelona.

“With the appointment of Father Aram as your full-time pastor, a new opportunity emerges to further develop and strengthen your community—for the good of all Armenians in Barcelona, especially the younger generation,” said Archbishop Barsamian.

Reflecting on the day’s biblical passage from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 1:9-11, Archbishop Barsamian reminded attendees of the significance of Christian love—its power to give meaning, peace, and joy to individual and communal life, and its crucial role in fostering unity.

He urged all faithful to work in harmony with Father Aram, organizing activities to ensure the mission of the Armenian Church flourishes in and around Barcelona. “As baptized members of the Armenian Church, you are entrusted with the stewardship of an ancient church with a rich heritage—an identity that has sustained us for centuries. It is our responsibility to preserve and pass it on to the next generation.”

The Archbishop emphasized integration, highlighting Spain’s rich culture and traditions, and encouraged Armenians in Barcelona to be active participants in Spanish society while always remaining steadfast in their foundation as Armenian Christians.

Father Aram will serve the growing Armenian community in Barcelona, supported by two other priests under Archbishop Barsamian’s guidance: Father Ghevont, who oversees communities in Madrid, Arnedo, Valencia, Alicante, and San Sebastian; and Father Toros, pastor for Malaga, Seville, Cadiz, and Portugal.