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

RECONCILIATION BETWEEN COPTIC AND ETHIOPIAN CHURCHES BROUGHT ABOUT BY HIS
HOLINESS ARAM I
GENERATES WORLD-WIDE RESPONSES

Dr. Samuel Kobia, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches,
in a letter addressed to Patriarch Shenouda III, Patriarch Paulos, and
Catholicos Aram I states that "the entire fellowship of the World Council of
Churches (WCC) rejoices! We rejoice with this promising news that extends
far beyond bilateral relations by confirming that true reconciliation among
churches is possible. We are grateful to each of you, the heads of churches,
for the tangible witness you have offered in dealing successfully with
church-dividing matters."

Congratulating the three heads of the churches for "this historic
achievement", the General Secretary of the WCC expresses "a particular word
of gratitude on behalf of the WCC fellowship" to His Holiness Catholicos
Aram I for his "tireless efforts to promote unity and reconciliation in the
life of the churches and his particular commitment to this process of
mediation."

Patriarch Paulos acknowledges "with deep appreciation the courageous role
of His Holiness Aram I played in this blessed moment of reconciliation."

Catholicos Aram I has received similar letters and calls of appreciation
and congratulation from churches and institutions of civil society and state
officials. Of particular importance is the joy, appreciation and expectation
expressed by many faithful of different churches.

A U.S.A. citizen of Indian origin, expressing his joy for this "extremely
good news", says: "This proves great things are possible through God and the
faith given to us through the Apostles and Church Fathers". He requests that
His Holiness Aram I continue his mission of reconciliation with those
churches who still suffer from the wounds of brokenness.

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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