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:

THE CATHOLICOSATE PARTICIPATES IN WCC DISCUSSIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING
DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Possibilities for establishing an international ecumenical organization
responsible for development programs were discussed during meetings held in
the regional bureau of the World Council of Churches (WCC) on September 1
and 2 in Beirut. The meetings were convened by WCC.

Participants included delegates from the region’s churches, WCC, the General
Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and from MECC’s
various units.

Dr. Nora Bairakdarain-Kabakian, chairwoman of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s
ecumenical committee participated in the meetings on behalf of the
Catholicosate.

In light of the growing gap between the North and South countries, the plan
aims at creating an international ecumenical network that would
professionally implement development plans.

The participants reviewed the development programs already being implemented
in the region, the activities carried out by churches and MECC in this field
and discussed what needs to be done in the region.

The plan is still in the planning and consultation phase. It is expected
that the next General Assembly of WCC, to be held in February 2006 in
Brazil, will finalize the plan.

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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 Ecumenical
activities 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.