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 PARTICIPATION OF THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND
CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE MEETINGS IN GENEVA
Two international conferences were held in the Geneva headquarters of the
World Council of Churches on December 5-7 and 8-10 respectively. Archbishop
Sebouh Sarkisian (Primate of the Diocese of Tehran) represented the
Catholicosate of Cilicia in these conferences. Archbishop Avak Asadourian
(Primate of the Diocese of Iraq) attended on behalf of the Catholicosate of
All Armenians in Holy Etchmiyadzine.
The first conference was dedicated to the protection of human rights and
integrity, particularly during conflicts. About 40 representatives from
several countries in the world participated in the conference, especially
from those countries where Christianity forms a minority.
During the conference, Bishop Sebouh delivered a lecture on the status of
Christians in Iran starting from historic periods. In this context, he spoke
about the centuries-old presence of Armenians in Iran and their constructive
participation in the country’s political, cultural, social and educational
life. The conference discussed the peace and the establishment and
protection of human rights. In this respect, Archbishop Sebouh talked about
the neglected issue of the Armenian Genocide.
The second conference was dedicated to Christian-Muslim dialogue. It
attracted 30 clergy and lay delegates. General Secretary of WCC Dr. Sam
Kobia delivered the opening remarks. Speaking during this conference,
Archbishop Sebouh presented the various aspects of Christian-Muslim
relations in Iran. He particularly touched on the rights of minorities in
Iran and their protection by the state.
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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.