PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: cathcil@cathcil.org
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

TO THE HONORABLE SPEAKER

AND THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

CANADA

Antelias, Lebanon – We were informed by our Prelate Archbishop Khajag
Hagopian that the House of Commons of Canada has adopted a motion
recognizing the Armenian Genocide. This courageous act of the
representatives of the people of Canada is the victory of truth over denial
and the restoration of justice for the Armenian people.

As the Spiritual Head of the people who have lived the experience of
Genocide in 1915; and now dispersed all over the world, and as the
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, I know the profound significance
of such an important decision.

This resolution of the House of Commons was conveyed to us during an
international conference on “Genocide, Impunity and Justice” organized by
our church (22-23 April 2004) in Antelias, Lebanon. At this conference we
stated that any such crime against humanity must not remain unpunished. I
believe that other countries will also follow your example in a world where
peace with justice and meaningful dialogue could be established only when
human rights are fully respected.

On behalf of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia and its worldwide
Dioceses -including that of Canada – our clergy, community leaderships and
people, we would like to express our deep appreciation to the honorable
members of the House of Commons for their courageous decision.

Prayerfully,

ARAM I

CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA

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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.