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:
"OUR VISION OF LEBANON IS BASED ON COEXISTENCE, UNITY, INDEPENDENCE AND
SOVEREIGNTY"
Affirmed His Holiness Aram I
Hereunder excerpts from the section dealing with Lebanon of the Easter
sermon of His Holiness Aram I:
1..
"Putting an end to duality: Unfortunately political duality in the
country continues and no encouraging signs appear on the horizon for
bridging this duality. Differences in viewpoints towards political issues is
an expression of democratic principles and is, in itself, a positive and
enriching factor. However, when this difference is transformed into
contrasting perceptions and vision of the identity and basic principles of
Lebanon, it creates a dangerous situation. It seems that two Lebanons are
coming across each other everywhere, from TV screens to the street. This is
an unacceptable situation. Its continuation can lead Lebanon towards
self-destruction. Our political leaders should understand the dangerous
consequences of their actions. They have a great responsibility towards the
people and the future of Lebanon. It is with this sense of responsibility
that they should take action today; tomorrow can be too late. Poverty has
started to emerge and people are expressing their frustration and
disappointment in different ways. The youth has started to emigrate. To
remain indifferent in the face of this situation is to be irresponsible.
2..
First blaming ourselves and then others: When speaking about the
conflict in Lebanon we always blame others. Undoubtedly, the other, whose
address and identity often change, has a major role in the Lebanese
conflict. Unfortunately, the internal character of Lebanon has often made it
ripe for the intervention of others. But why always blame others? Others
pursue their interests. Why should we follow their agendas? Here lies our
misfortune. We often confuse cooperation and friendship with others with
subjugation. Lebanon is our homeland. And our home comes before those of
others, even that of our brother. We will fix our family problems together.
Let us not depend on others; our strength is in our unity. Visitors from
abroad are coming to Lebanon to tell us to agree with each other. Lebanese
officials are paying visits abroad, but to hear the same advice Therefore,
what are we waiting for?
3..
Considering Lebanon above communal interests: Lebanon is a country of
communities and should remain so. The communal character is the basis of
Lebanon’s existence and its unique identity. Communal coexistence is Lebanon’s
richness and makes it an example of coexistence in the entire world.
However, this factor can also lead to tensions when there is no harmony in
the communal interests and those of Lebanon; when communal interests become
more important than those of Lebanon. A community should serve Lebanon and
not the other way round. Each community is destined to serve Lebanon’s
interests, not subjugate Lebanon’s interests to its communal interests, It
is true that there is an effort by political and community leaders to stay
away from such thoughts and actions. However, in certain political
positions, we see community priorities beyond Lebanese interests. Clear
lines should be drawn on where community interests start and end and where
Lebanon’s supreme interests begin.
4..
The Armenian community continues to serves the permanent and supreme
interests of Lebanon: Sometimes we hear people asking that in Lebanon’s
current situation where is the Armenian community. Our answer is clear:
Armenians are here and are fully and actively participating in Lebanese
life. If there are still people who think that Armenians do not have their
viewpoints and are passive followers, they are wrong. We do have our
viewpoint and it is anchored on Lebanon’s unity, independence, sovereignty
and territorial integrity. It is true, we don’t speak out a lot- there are
too many who publicly do- but we work; we work for Lebanon’s supreme
interests; we work for Lebanon in and outside of Lebanon through our
communities dispersed in the four corners of the world. We serve Lebanon’s
interests and not those of this or that party. Taking a side in politics is
merely a means and not an end. The end, the aim is Lebanon. Mistaken are all
those who transform the means to an end. Let nobody therefore consider the
Armenian community being on the periphery of Lebanese life. We have a clear
position and vision of Lebanon based on coexistence, unity, independence and
sovereignty. These are the basic values which ensure the perpetuity and
credibility of Lebanon and the Armenian community of Lebanon is strongly
attached to these values".
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission 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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
