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
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I VISITS SFEIR,
SAYS CHRISTIAN UNITY FORMS THE BASIS OF LEBANON’S UNITY
Catholicos Aram I met today with His Beatitude the Maronite Patriarch Mar
Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir in Bekerke. After the meeting, which was held behind
closed doors, His Holiness made the following statement:
"We support the initiative of Patriarch Sfeir to invite the communal and
political leaders of the Maronites to Bekerke. Christian unity forms the
basis of the unity of Lebanon. It should start with strengthening the
internal unity of the Maronite community."
The Armenian Pontiff observed: "Lebanon is at a critical crossroads in its
history. A wrong move can lead Lebanon to serious conflict. Our long years
of hardship should teach us that our strength is in our collective unity.
Lebanon before and above everything else: this should be the only motto of
all the Lebanese citizens, communities and political parties. Internal
sensitivities and differences should not push us away from those principles
that form the basis of Lebanon’s existence: independence, sovereignty,
freedom, unity, territorial integrity and coexistence."
On the presidential elections, His Holiness said: "The election of a
president is an imperative. It should take place on the basis of the
principles and time frame established by the Constitution. Someone who is
above all sides should be elected as President, become the President of the
whole of Lebanon, who creates mutual trust between the different sides,
defends Lebanon’s supreme interests and values, and restores Lebanon’s
important role and place in the international community."
His Holiness returned yesterday from his trip to Europe and in the upcoming
days he will visit Belgium and Italy, where he will deliver lectures and
meet with political and religious officials.
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View the photo here:
tos/Photos43.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 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.