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 ARAM I WELCOMES THE LEGATE OF POPE IN ANTELIAS

In welcoming His Eminence Cardinal Etchegaray, the special legate of
Pope at the Catholicosate in Antelias, His Holiness Aram I expressed
his deep appreciation for the continuous support of the Vatican
to Lebanon: "Lebanon has been very close to the heart of the late
Pope Jean-Paul II, who has considered Lebanon a living message of
coexistence. Pope Benedictus XVI has the same feelings and affection
towards Lebanon. Your presence with us in these difficult times is an
eloquent testimony of the Vatican’s ongoing support to the Lebanese
cause", said Aram I.

Cardinal Etchegaray reiterated the Vatican’s position in respect to
Lebanon. He said that "unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty
of Lebanon cannot be compromised". The Cardinal assured His Holiness
that the people of Lebanon always remain in the prayers as well as
in the pontifical ministry of His Holiness Pope Benedictus XVI.

Catholicos Aram I briefly exposed to the Cardinal the actual situation
in Lebanon spelling out some significant aspects and emphasizing
particularly the decisive importance of internal unity. He affirmed
the pivotal importance of "Christian-Muslim coexistence as the basis
of Lebanon and the source of its strength. We are before new situation
full of challenge and uncertainties. The suffering, destruction and
the painful experience that we went through must compel us to reassess
and rebuilt our common life", stated Aram I.

Present at the meeting were: Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon Mgr. Luigi
Gatti, Vicar General of the Maronite Church, Bishop Rolan Abou Jaoudeh,
Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian,
the Director of the Catholicosate Library, Bishop Dirayr Panossian,
the Director of the Printing House, V. Rev. Fr. Norayr Ashekian,
and the Director of the Communication and Information Department,
V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian.

##

View the photo here:
es93.htm

*****

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.