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:

&quo t;THE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE OF PEOPLES,
RELIGIONS AND CULTURES SHOULD BECOME A GLOBAL CONCERN"

ANNOUNCES HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

"Humanity is today at a critical stage in its history. Despite huge progress
and successes in the fields of science, technology, economy, culture and
international relations, humanity today faces such serious problems that
could lead the world to destruction. The ambiguous values of globalization,
the violent expressions of religious fanaticism, and the continuation of
injustice in different forms have caused fear and insecurity everywhere,"
His Holiness Aram I says in his address to the inter-religious conference
being held currently in Moscow.

Describing the current situation of the world, His Holiness emphasizes the
role of religion in the life of societies: "Religion should not be
politicized. It should not be identified with political structures or
ideologies. On the other hand, religion can’t be de-politicized, because it
has a say towards the main issues facing humanity today. Therefore, it is
not possible to completely separate religion and politics. In my opinion,
some form of partnership should be established between religion and
politics; a partnership the aim of which would be the achievement of the
society’s collective goals; a partnership that would succeed in eradicating
the root of injustice in society and establishing peace based on justice."

Within this context, the Catholicos proposes a guideline of five points for
cooperation between various religions: a) The development of a society based
on common values and aims, b) the deepening of the mutual trust between the
various religions and cultures of the world, c) the preservation of
pluralism in society, simultaneously developing harmonious cooperation
between them, d) the development of respect and acknowledgement of
differences, e) the strengthening of the basic values guaranteeing a society
‘s collective life.

His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians is also attending the
conference organized by the Russian Orthodox Church. His Holiness as well
delivered a message to the conference.

Representing the Catholicosate of Cilicia and His Holiness Aram I at the
conference are Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian (Primate of the Diocese of
Tehran) and Bishop Nareg Alemezian (Ecumenical Officer).

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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.