Catholicos Aram I was the guest of honor at a November 13 concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall marking the thirteenth anniversary of his enthronement as leader of the Great House of Cilicia.

The concert, at Carnegie’s Recital Hall, featured internationally acclaimed soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, who performed a program of Armenian spiritual, ancient folk, and classical songs. The concert was received with great enthusiasm by the audience.

Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, attended the concert.

Catholicos Aram, I bestowed Bayrakdarian with the Saint Mesrob Mashdots insignia.

The concert, "Ancestral Songs, Prayers & Lullabies," included medieval hymns, Marian chants, and Armenian folk repertoire, with a focus on the works of Gomidas and his students.

The concert was a highlight of Catholicos Aram I's month-long pastoral visit to North America.