ANTELIAS--On the invitation of Archbishop Souren Kataronian and the Executive Council of the Prelacy of Syria, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, departed for Allepo-Syria on Thursday, October 3, 2002. Joining the Catholicos were Archbiship Panossian; Acting leader of the Isfahan Catholicosate, Vartabed Shahan Sarkissian; Chair of the Catholicosate Press Office, Bishop Krikor Chiftian; National Executive Assembly member, Yervant Pamboukian, and staff bearer Vartabed Varak Topalian.

The purpose for the visit is to meet with provincial, religious, and political bodies, and with religious bodies of Kamishili and other regions. During the three day visit to Aleppo, the Catholicos will preside over various functions and will present his message to the public at the Holy 'Karasoun Mangants' Church.