WCC NEWS: H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian honored for half a century of service

H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian of the Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin) USA, was honored for half a century of service.  The Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, Pennsylvania (USA), organized a ceremony and banquet as a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of his ordination. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 03 November 2021 More than 160 people arrived at the church hall for the event on 17 October, after beginning the day in the church sanctuary with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Aykazian. Archbishop Aykazian, a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, is known for his ecumenical work for both global and Armenian causes, including the recognition of Armenian genocide, the preservation of Armenian monuments and statements of solidarity with Armenia and Artsakh. He has served the Armenian Church in diverse roles including tenures as primate of the Diocese of Switzerland (1992-96), and as director of the Fund for Armenian Relief’s office in the Republic of Armenia (1997-99). In 2007, he was elected as president of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and served his term from 2008 through 2009. He was the first Oriental Orthodox clergyman to serve in that role. WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca expressed deep thanksgiving for Archbishop Aykazian’s gifts and his many years of service to the WCC and to people who value his voice and active leadership around the world.  “Your ecumenical journey has combined thoughtful dedication that has stretched into decades of service with the WCC, with decisive action for justice during times when Armenia and people around the world are suffering," said Sauca. “Your voice has illuminated our understanding of what it means to pursue justice for a people, for a country, for Christians and people of faith everywhere.” See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland