Zenit News Agency, Italy
May 10 2008

Patriarch: Modernity Demands Christian Unity

Karekin II Lauds Close Relations With Catholic Church

ROME, MAY 9, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Armenian Apostolic Church and the
Catholic Church have a duty to be ever more united in their defense of
human rights, said Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.

The patriarch affirmed this today at a press conference at Vatican
Radio, shortly after having been received in audience by Benedict
XVI. Karekin II and a delegation of bishops and Armenian Apostolic
faithful are in Rome for events through Sunday.

The Armenian Church leader emphasized the positive state of relations
between the two Churches.

Noting centuries of effort toward unity and a common declaration
signed in 1970 by Pope Paul VI and Armenian Patriarch Vasken I,
Karekin II said the current visit "comes once again to reinforce that
warm atmosphere of love and respect which was formed between our two
Churches."

"The love received from our Lord Jesus Christ bears much good fruit in
the field of ecumenism today. Faithful to the holy Church fathers and
their legacy, despite our differences and unique characteristics, we
shall place greater importance on that which unites us," he said.

The Armenian Apostolic Church separated from Rome after the Council of
Chalcedon in 451, over controversy arising from the council’s adoption
of the Christological terminology of two natures in one
person. However, most now agree that the controversy arose over
semantics, not doctrine.

It has since taken steps toward unity, notably thanks to a 1996
declaration signed by Pope John Paul II and Patriarch Karekin I on the
nature of Jesus.

Warm and close

Karekin II said it is "especially pleasing for us to confirm that the
spirit of love and collaboration between the Armenian and Catholic
Churches finds its tangible expression in our times. The living
testimony to the Spirit can be found in the fact that relations
between our two Churches are warm and close, not only at the level of
Church leaders and headquarters, but also among the communities,
parishes and dioceses throughout the world."

The Armenian patriarch said that in a globalized world with its
political, social and economic challenges, "the greater consolidation
of diligent efforts and partnership are an imperative for Christian
Churches. […] Only through inclusive cooperation shall we be able to
better serve the establishment of peace in the world and to better
defend human rights, and the rights of nations, families, and those
classes of society which are at-risk.

"The transfiguration of life through the values of the Gospel shall be
our path to the creation of a prosperous and virtuous world."

Christianity in Armenia traces its roots back to the preaching of the
Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus.

The Armenian people converted to Christ at the dawn of the fourth
century, in the year 301. A century later, the monk Mesrop Mastoc
invented the Armenian alphabet so as to be able to translate the
Bible.

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