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 VISITS OURMIA AND MEETS WITH THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
His Holiness spent the second day of his official visit to the Diocese of
Adrpatakan, by visiting the various Armenian-populated regions of the
diocese. After visiting the historic province of Salmasd, His Holiness went
to Ourmia, where he was greeted by a large number of Armenians.
Students, youth, adults and old people gathered at the newly built St.
Stepanos Armenian Church to welcome His Holiness. The spiritual leaders of
sister churches, including those of Assyrian, Chaldean and evangelical
churches, as well as senior officials from the region also greeted His
Holiness.
The primate of the diocese delivered the opening remarks, welcoming His
Holiness Aram I. The Pontiff spoke about the thriving spiritual life of the
Armenians of Ourmia and commended them for holding on to their church. He
considered that the newly built church is the “tangible expression” of this
attachment to the church.
“This church will flourish through you, through the dedication and faith you
bring to it. Our nation has everywhere, even after barely surviving the
Genocide, built churches before building houses, so it could gather around
them, be strengthened by them and survive through them,” said His Holiness.
The Catholicos also spoke about the dedication and the contribution of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia to the spiritual needs of the Armenian people.
“Antelias is not a far away place. Rather, through its service, it is right
here, close to you. It is not only a spiritual center; it’s a prayer
transformed to service. It waters your personal and familial lives with the
word of God and with our national traditions,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness praised benefactors Mr. Edig Metchloumian and his wife Mrs.
Sandra, who contributed to building the new church in memory of their
parents.
A luncheon dedicated to His Holiness was organized in the church’s hall. His
Holiness praised the work and activities of the church and community and
advised them to always aim at getting better. Aram I returned to Tehran in
the evening.
The same evening The Armenian Embassy in Iran hosted dinner in honor of His
Holiness. The ambassadors of France, Britain, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine,
Jordan, Argentine, Sweden, Poland, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Zimbabwe,
Cuba and a number of other countries were also invited to the event.
After the welcoming note of the Ambassador of Armenia, Mr. Garen Nazarian,
His Holiness pointed out some of the challenges the international community
faces today and highlighted the possibilities of cooperation between
religions and cultures.
“We are colleagues as religions and nations. We will live not side-by-side,
but together in this small world,” emphasized His Holiness.
His Holiness called for the strengthening of Armenia, its economic growth
and the enhancement of cooperation between different states. He also asked
about questions regarding the current situation of Lebanon.
His Holiness also spoke about the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
as “a stage in the struggle for ensuring the violated rights of the Armenian
people.”
The Catholicos mentioned that the countries of the world continue to
recognize the Armenian Genocide.
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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 dioceses 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.