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:

THE MUFTI OF THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC ORGANIZES
A LUNCHEON IN HONOR OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

Having concluded the Kamishli leg of his Pontifical visit to Syria, His
Holiness Aram I flew to Damascus on May 25 following an invitation from the
Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic. He was welcomed at the Damascus airport
with the Primate of the Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian,
Communications Officer of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, V. Rev. Krikor
Chiftjian, and representatives from the Armenian community in Damascus.

Sheikh Ahmed Badereddine Hassoun, met with His Holiness Aram I in the
Armenian Prelacy of Aleppo last week and invited the Armenian Pontiff to his
Republican Residence of the Muslim Religion in Damascus.

The Catholicos visited Sheikh Hassoun in his headquarters on May 26 with a
delegation including Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, Archbishop Sebouh
Sarkissian (Primate of the Diocese of Tehran), Bishop Kegham Khatcherian
(Primate of the Diocese of Lebanon), Bishop Shahan Sarkissian (Primate of
the Diocese of Aleppo), V. Rev. Krikor Chiftjian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Sarkissian
and representatives from the Armenian community of Damascus.

The Pontiff and the Mufti of the Syrian Republic discussed developments in
Christian-Muslim dialogue and reaffirmed the calling of religions to
contribute to society by strengthening of common moral values. The two
spiritual leaders also discussed a number of political issues related to the
Middle East.

Sheikh Hassoun then gave a luncheon in honor of His Holiness. A desire was
expressed to continue mutual visits for the development of cooperation
between the two nations and religions.

On the occasion of the Catholicos’ visit to Damascus, the city’s Armenian
community also organized a dinner party in his honor in the yard of the
United National School’s new building. Arthur Arzoumanian the Chargé d’Affaires
of the Armenian Embassy in Syria, the Primate of the Armenian Catholics
Hovsep Arnavoutian, and about 1500 guests were present to the event.

Following opening remarks delivered in Armenian and Arabic, a cultural
entertainment program was carried out. In his Pontifical address His
Holiness advised the local Armenian community members to always remain
attached to the collective interests of the Armenian nation. He called for
unity and for a united vision for our present and past. The Catholicos also
called upon all members of the community to gather around the church by
giving a concrete manifestation to unity.

His Holiness praised all those members of the local community who have
actively participated in organizing the community’s life. Highlighting their
commitment and dedication, His Holiness particularly mentioned three people,
highly praising their efforts: Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian who was
appointed as Pontifical Vicar by the late Catholicos Karekin II and had
carried out his functions with great dedication for several years; Noubar
Melikian and Mesrob Shiranian who have served the community with true
commitment during the last two decades.

The Pontiff presented a panakia to Archbishop Sebouh and awarded the
"Cilician Knight" insignia to Melikian and Shiranian. The Catholicos’
Encyclicals were read out by Bishop Shahan. The Archbishop and Noubar
Melikian delivered heartfelt speeches of gratitude.

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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 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.