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 ELECTION OF THE NEW PRESIDENT IS IMPERATIVE"
SAYS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE F2 TV CHANNEL
His Holiness Aram I held an interview with journalists from the F2 French TV
station in Antelias on September 11. Several ecumenical and Armenian issues
were discussed, including the presence of Christianity in the Middle East
and the presidential elections in Lebanon.
Speaking about the Christian presence in the Middle East, the Pontiff
describes it as a "presence mired by conflicts and challenges." He then
asked: "When has Christianity not been so in its history in the region? A
passive approach to this situation is not acceptable. Christianity is a
witness and the witness is commitment and struggle. Christianity should
organize itself with this spirit and vision." His Holiness said. The
Catholicos pointed out that the migration of Christians from Iraq, Iran and
Jerusalem is a serious problem.
On the presidential elections in Lebanon the Catholicos said: "the election
of a new president is imperative. Otherwise, the country can come across new
uncertainties." The Pontiff added: "Lebanon is a family of communities. The
existing internal sensitivities and disagreements should be overcome and the
unity and integrity of the family should be strengthened."
Catholicos Aram I considered the Armenian community as one of the seven main
communities of Lebanon and as such he reminded that it is an active
contributor to Lebanese life in all spheres.
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View photo here:
tos/Photos33.htm#2
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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.