PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: cathcil@cathcil.org
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS COMMENDS IRAN FOR RENOVATING ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS
His Holiness Aram I held an official meeting with Seyed Masjed Jamey, the
minister of culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran on May 18.
Aram I highlighted the positive role of culture in a multi-ethnic and
multicultural society. He considered culture to be a bridge between
religions: “It is not possible to separate religion from culture. Religion
acquires its shape and flourishes through culture, and therefore the
dialogue of cultures can greatly contribute to the dialogue of religions,”
said His Holiness.
His Holiness commended Iran’s financial and moral support for the renovation
of historical Armenian monuments in Iran.
“The cultural genocide continues till today, when Armenian churches in
Turkey are deliberately destroyed, cathedrals and cultural monuments are
turned into cafés or used for other purposes. Armenian khatchkars are
destroyed by azeris on the other side of the Araxes River, while on this
side of the river, in Iran, the government sponsors the renovation of
Armenian historical monuments and the reconstruction of destroyed churches
as humanistic cultural values,” said His Holiness.
Minister Jamey expressed great satisfaction for Aram I’s visit and hoped
that the Catholicos’ pontifical visit would provide a new opportunity for
cooperation and the development of relations between religions.
Speaking about the Armenian community of Iran, the minister said: “We have
historical ties with the Armenians living in Iran. We have lived side by
side and shared their grief and joy.” The minister shared Aram I’s concern
about the ongoing cultural genocide. “We condemn all genocides and specially
the ones which where committed during the last, civilized century and which
include the Armenian Genocide,” said the minister.
The minister informed His Holiness about a number of projects that would
further contribute to the development of Christian-Muslim dialogue.
His Holiness also visited the embassy of Lebanon and met with Ambassador
Adnan Mansour on May 18. The ambassador organized a luncheon in his house in
honor of His Holiness. The ambassadors of Palestine, Bahrain, Armenia and
Syria, as well as senior Iranian officials and representatives of the
Armenian community were also invited to the luncheon.
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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.