PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father 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: "THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT
NEEDS FRESH AIR"

Receiving a high-ranking delegation from the Presbyterian Church in the USA,
His Holiness Aram I said: "The ecumenical movement cannot ignore the new
environment in which our churches are called to witness to our common Lord.
Ecumenism is essentially a movement, it must interact with its changing
milieu. The institutional ecumenism in its present state lacks the inner
power to respond to the challenges of changing times. The transformation of
ecumenism is an urgent necessity".

Speaking about the need for the transformation of ecumenism Catholicos Aram
I, who has served the World Council of Churches for two successive terms (15
years) as Moderator of the Central and Executive Committees, said: "The
transformation of the ecumenical movement must start with people. We need
qualified, visionary and committed people, firmly dedicated to the
ecumenical cause. We need young people, men and women, who, with their new
perspectives and fresh thoughts, can bring freshness to the aging ecumenism.
Transformation of ecumenism also entails new priorities, new approaches and
new ecumenical culture".

The delegation was lead by Reverend Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of
the General Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and it
included:
– Ms. Linda Valentine, Executive Director of the General Assembly Council
– Reverend Dr. (Ms.) Allison Seed, Chairperson of the General Assembly
Council
– Rev. Dr. Victor Makari, Area Coordinator for the Middle East
– Ms. Sara Lisherness, Director, Peace and Justice Program Unit
– Mr. Douglas Dicks, Regional Liaison to Israel, Palestine and Jordan

Also the situation in the Middle East was discussed during the meeting. In
response to some concerns and questions, His Holiness shared with the
delegation his own evaluation of the prevailing situation in the Middle
East.

##
View the photo here:
*****
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.