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 PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

His Holiness Aram I held a long meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada
Paul Martin in Ottawa on October 4.

Archbishop Khajag Hagopian (Prelate of Canada), Hagop Der Khatchadourian (a
member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s “ARF” Bureau), Dr. Vahram
Ehramdjian (a representative of the Central Committee of ARF Canada), Apkar
Mirakian (a representative of the Armenian National Committee of Canada “Hay
Tad”) and Krikor Koyoumdjian (a representative of the community’s National
Assembly) also attended the meeting.

His Holiness Aram I expressed the gratitude of the Armenian community and
organizations of Canada for the friendliness demonstrated by the Canadian
people and government towards them. He emphasized that the Armenian
community of Canada fully participates in the progress of the country in
various fields.

The Catholicos spoke about Lebanon as a country of coexistence between
various communities. He talked about the Armenian community of Lebanon and
the role played by the Catholicosate of Cilicia.

His Holiness expressed satisfaction at the development of diplomatic
relations between Canada and Armenia, expressing hope that they are quickly
converted into cooperation based on common values and interests.

The Pontiff also spoke about the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the
Canadian Parliament last year, considering it a tangible expression of
Canada’s stance on defending justice and human rights.

Aram I finally talked about the dialogue of religions and cultures in the
current world, considering Canada a country of communities and religions.

PM Martin praised the Armenian community of Canada, highlighting their
contribution to various fields in the Canadian society.

The PM expressed hope that relations and cooperation between Armenia and
Canada would develop with time. The Canadian official thanked His Holiness
Aram I for his praise regarding Canada’s recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.

Martin asked His Holiness’ views on the political situation of the Middle
East and Lebanon in particular. The latter spoke in detail about the current
political situation in Lebanon and the region, expressing hope that Canada
plays a more active role in the Middle East and Lebanon.

His Holiness presented the Canadian PM with the book about the treasures of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia, rescued from the Armenian Genocide.

##
View pictures here:

*****
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.