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: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
A GATHERING WITH HIS HOLINESS ARAM I AT THE SEMINARY IN BIKFAYA
The Dean of the Cilician Seminary organized a gathering at the Seminary in
Bikfaya, bringing together His Holiness Aram I and the Catholicosate’s large
family, including the Cilician Brotherhood members, the Seminary staff,
students and the Catholicosate staff.
A warm family atmosphere surrounded the event with consecutive speeches by
the eldest member of the Cilician Brotherhood, Archbishop Ardavazt
Terterian, Primate of the Diocese of Lebanon Bishop Kegham Khatcherian,
Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, V. Rev. Fr. Norayr Ashekian, V. Rev. Far. Shahe
Panossian, Seminary professor and poet Sarkis Giragossian, the Catholicosate’s
chancellor Khatchig Dedeyan and others. The speakers praised the
achievements of the Catholicosate of Cilicia on national and international
levels thanks to the untiring efforts, deep dedication and ecumenical
leadership of the Pontiff Aram I.
By bringing together the most senior and junior members of the
Catholicosate’s family, it reinforced among them the notion of being the
servants of the same calling.
In his words of blessing, the Pontiff praised the work carried out by each
member of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s large family, pointing out that
Brotherhood members, teachers, staff and students are all humble travelers
on the path of the Catholicosate’s mission.
"We must commit ourselves to that mission. We must always remind ourselves
that the church is not a structure, administration or authority. This is a
misconception of church. The church is essentially a mission of faith. As
members of church, as well as, as the servants of the church, our life must
be undergirded by this vision. What takes place in the Catholicosate of
Cilicia is noting but mission. A mission aimed at the preaching of the Word
of God, serving the needy, forming the young generation with Christian and
Armenian values, keeping the Armenian identity intact and strong in a
Diaspora situation, pursuing the human right of our people, etc… We will
continue the work of our predecessors. Each of you is a part of this
mission", said His Holiness.
The Seminary’s administration marked His Holiness’ 60th birthday with this
event, wishing him a long and fruitful tenure.
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View the photo here: