Diocesan representatives were among the 75 leaders from 36 Christian communions gathered in Philadelphia for the annual forum of Christian Churches Together (CCT). The nation-wide ecumenical group met from October 7 to 9, under the theme “The Light of Life: The Gospel and the Witness of the Church.”
Representing the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America were Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director (and a founding CCT leader); Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, pastor of St. Mary Church in Washington, DC (and a member of the CCT Steering Committee); and Alex Madajian of the Washington parish, who participated as a youth observer.
Throughout the CCT Forum, prayers and reflections were offered by each of CCT’s “five church families.” The Orthodox Family was particularly visible, with Archbishop Aykazian honored for his longstanding past leadership as a past President of the Orthodox Family, a role in which he faithfully served for many years. His steady presence continues to represent the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox churches within the national ecumenical landscape.
The gathering opened on October 7 with prayer, ecumenical training sessions, and dialogue on cooperation between traditions. That evening, participants assembled at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul for the first worship service, entering into the Roman Catholic spiritual heritage before joining in fellowship.
On the following day, the Forum traveled to the Mennonite Heritage Center, where attendees reflected on Anabaptist history, repentance, and reconciliation. Afternoon sessions returned to Philadelphia, where the Orthodox Family delivered its formal address.
Sharing Armenian Worship & Hospitality
That evening became a defining moment of the Forum, as all participants journeyed to Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cheltenham, PA (pictured here), where the sacred rhythm of Evening Vespers filled the sanctuary with the beauty of Armenian worship service. For many, it was their first experience of Armenian worship, and the spirit of reverence and unity was deeply moving.
Following the service, Holy Trinity pastor Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan extended the community’s hospitality by graciously holding a dinner for the entire CCT assembly. Clergy and lay leaders from many Christian traditions shared traditional Armenian food, conversation, and laughter—transforming what began as a formal gathering into an experience of genuine fellowship. Many remarked that the evening at Holy Trinity was among the most memorable and Spirit-filled moments of the entire Forum.
The final day brought participants to Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, where an historic prayer walk through Philadelphia led into a service centered on the powerful witness of the Black Church in America. Worship, testimony, and shared reflection concluded the Forum, closing with a highlight on the rising generation of young ecumenists.
In celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, and the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, participants reflected on themes of light, repentance, healing, and common witness.
Fr. Karapetyan summed up the experience: “For the Armenian Church, this gathering reaffirmed our vocation to serve as both memory and mission — rooted in ancient faith, yet fully present in today’s world with fellowship, leadership, and hope.”