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 MEETS WITH THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF ST. CATHARINS
After meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin, His Holiness
Aram I stopped in St. Catharins, where he met with the Armenian community on
October 4. His Holiness was greeted by believers, the board of trustees of
the St. Boghos Church and representatives form the community at the Armenian
Center.
Archbishop James Wingel of St. Catharins Catholic Church, Antonios Semaan of
the Coptic Orthodox Church, Fr. Magarious Giannopoulos of the Greek Orthodox
Church and other spiritual officials greeted His Holiness upon his arrival
to St. Catharins.
Jim Bradley, Ontario’s tourism minister, Carol Discher, the deputy of St.
Catharin’s governor and other officials participated in the official
luncheon held in honor of His Holiness. Around 200 believers gathered in the
Center’s hall to listen to His Holiness’ message.
Sera Mazmanian delivered the opening remarks, warmly welcoming His Holiness
“who had not forgotten his small flock in this far away city.”
Catholic Archbishop Wingel greeted His Holiness, highlighting his
international efficacy and contribution to the dialogue between religions
and churches. He assured that the Catholicos’ election as the chairman of
the World Council of Churches and his unprecedented re-election greatly
contributed to the strengthening of relations between Christian Churches.
The chairman of the St. Boghos Church, Raffi Stamboulian, read out a letter
by Prime Minister Paul Martin who expressed his happiness on the occasion of
the 10trh anniversary of His Holiness’ enthronement, the 75th anniversary of
the Seminary’s establishment and the 1600th anniversary of the Consecration
of the Armenian Alphabet.
Carol Discher read out a welcoming letter written by St. Catharin’s
governor. Tourism minister Jim Bradley also welcomed His Holiness.
Sebouh Tokadjian and Sarkis Balabanian expressed the local Armenian
community’s greetings and welcomed His Holiness in St. Catharins. The
“Anoush” dance group of the Armenian Relief Society and solo singer Garbis
Zakarian entertained the audience.
The Prelate of Canada, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, spoke with high regard
about the thoughts and views expressed by His Holiness during his speeches
in Canada lately, pointing out that they would be “guidelines for us in the
future.”
“His Holiness’ visit that brought him as far as St. Catharins is a tangible
expression of his love towards this small community, which is not at all
marginalized because of its distance,” he said.
His Holiness first spoke in English, expressing his gratitude to the present
foreign spiritual leaders and officials who have always encouraged the local
Armenian community.
He then delivered his Pontifical message, calling upon Armenian to uphold
the spirit of toleration as an important step in securing mutual
understanding. The Pontiff considered Christianity’s meaning to be based on
faith, hope and love and called upon the attendants to make these truths the
three pillars of their individual and collective lives.
Believers then had the opportunity to kiss His Holiness’ right hand.
His Holiness returned to Toronto late at night. He will then travel to Los
Angeles to continue his Pontifical Visit in North America.
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View pictures here:
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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.