From 6 to 8 March, a three day Lenten retreat for the youth of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the Netherlands took place at a retreat center in Woudsend. The gathering brought together about sixty young Armenians from various parishes across the country for prayer, reflection, and fellowship in preparation for Easter. The retreat was presided over by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Pontifical Legate of the Armenian Church...

Each year from January 18 to 25, Christians around the world observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a time dedicated to prayer, encounter, and hope for full communion among all who believe in Christ. This report explores the 2026 theme, drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit.” Hear from Fr. Martin Browne of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, who explains why...

The University of Florence’s SAGAS Department welcomed distinguished scholars from around the world for the International Conference on Armenian and Georgian Women Patrons (IX-XIV centuries), held from November 24th to 25th. The conference, organized by Dr. Zaroui Pogossian, Associate Professor of Byzantine Civilization at the University of Florence and the Principal Investigator of a European Research Council (ERC)...

The visit began on Saturday, November 22, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, held at a Catholic church in Valencia. The service was celebrated by Father Ghevond Saghatelyan, with Archbishop Barsamian presiding and delivering the sermon. In his homily, Archbishop Barsamian expressed his heartfelt joy at being with the Armenian community in Valencia, praying together as they entered the Advent season. After the...

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...

The International Meeting “Daring Peace”, organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio, convened in Rome from 26 to 28 October, drawing religious leaders, dignitaries, and over ten thousand participants from Europe and other continents, among them many young people to promote dialogue and peace among nations. Representing His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Pontifical...

Under the guidance of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Pontifical Legate of Western Europe, an Altar Servers Workshop for Armenian Church parishes in the Netherlands and Belgium was held at the Dominican Monastery in Huissen, the Netherlands, from Friday 22 August to Sunday 24 August. The intensive, two-day program brought together 33 altar servers for training, prayer, and fellowship. The workshop was led by Fr. Mardiros...

In solemn commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian community in the Netherlands and Belgium came together for a transformative series of concerts titled “Remembering the Armenian Genocide: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Hope.” Orchestrated under the spiritual guidance of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the series unfolded in Almelo, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Antwerp, drawing over 850 attendees...

On April 5, 2025, the Church of San Gregorio Armeno in the historic city of Naples became the site of a momentous occasion that resonated deeply within the hearts of many. This charming and ancient church hosted the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator, a significant event celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Representative of the Armenian Church to the Holy See and the Pontifical Legate of Western...

On March 1, 2025, a landmark meeting took place in Amersfoort, Netherlands where youth representatives of nine Armenian Church communities of the Netherlands gathered to address the future of Armenian youth within their congregations. This significant event was presided over by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Pontifical Legate of the Western Europe, who was accompanied by esteemed clergy including Fathers Taron Tatevosyan,...