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: nian.htm
THE
ESSENTIAL ROLE OF THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
IN RECONCILING THE COPTIC AND ETHIOPIAN CHURCHES
The Coptic and Ethiopian Churches have had serious differences
particularly in administrative issues during the last 40 years. These
differences have drifted the two churches apart throughout this period. Many
spiritual and political leaders tried to find a common ground between them;
all attempts, however, remained fruitless.
His Holiness Aram I finally succeeded in reconciling these two churches of
the Oriental Orthodox family thanks to his close ties with their two
spiritual leaders, Patriarchs Shnouda III and Abba Paulos, and his unending
efforts in this respect.
The first phase of reconciliation began in Addis Ababa during the Armenian
Pontiff’s visit to Ethiopia. The delegation he headed (its members being
Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer, V. Rev. Krikor Chiftjian,
Communications Officer and national philanthropist Gabriel Chemberdjian)
held a meeting with the Holy Synod. Over 50 bishops attended the meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the Synod, Patriarch Paulos thanked Catholicos Aram
I for this historical achievement. The Armenian Pontiff then said that
despite existing difficulties he continued working with both spiritual
leaders to achieve internal unity between the two churches. He said it was
the Holy Spirit that drove everyone towards this good work.
In front of the Synod as a witness, Catholicos Aram I and Patriach Paulos
then signed a Joint Declaration. Bishop Nareg read the English version of
the declaration and Bishop Karima, the Ethiopian version of the document,
before it was signed.
As a reminder of this historic event, His Holiness Aram I planted a tree
at the entrance of the new Patriarchate. Patriarch Paulos and the Synod then
organized a luncheon in honor of His Holiness Aram I. Speeches were given
and souvenirs exchanged during the event. On the occasion of his historic
visit, His Holiness distributed souvenirs to all the bishops present at the
event.
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View the photos here:
tos/Photos11.htm
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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 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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress