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: info@armenianorthodoxchurch.org
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version: nian.htm
THE SECOND PAN-DIASPORAN EDUCATION CONFERENCE CONCLUDES ITS ACTIVITIES
"THE ARMENIAN TEACHER BRINGS TO LIFE THE MISSION OF THE ARMENIAN SCHOOL"
SAYS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
The second pan-diaspora conference on education organized under the auspices
of the Catholicosate of Cilicia concluded its activities on Saturday, July
19.
In his concluding remarks of the conference, His Holiness stressed the
important role of the Armenian teacher in Armenian schools, particularly in
contemporary times when the number of teachers specializing in Armenological
topics is on the decline. "The Armenian School is in a crisis, which should
not, however, be presented in a negative way. The highpoints of our nation’s
history, our most important achievements have been the results of crises. We
should have the courage to see the crisis, make the correct diagnosis and
look for solutions to the problems," he said.
Contemplating on the part the Catholicosate of Cilicia would play in this
respect, His Holiness said the Holy See’s role is "that if an initiator at
times, that of a reminder at others, without interfering in the internal
workings of Armenian schools."
Pointing to the differences that exist between Armenian schools in
communities around the world, His Holiness said: "Our differences are not a
reason for us to not become one whole. Despite being in different
conditions, we can be of use to one another through systematic work and good
organization," he stressed. Finally, highlighting the true nature of the
Armenian school, the Pontiff said: "The Armenian school is not only a
collection of classrooms, textbooks; the teacher that breathes life into all
this is essential. Today there is a lack of Armenian teachers everywhere. It
is not only the number of students that is decreasing; the same is true for
the number of Armenian teachers." The Pontiff called on all educational
structures to support Armenian teachers and improve their living standards.
Some 100 representatives from all the dioceses of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia (except for the Diocese of Greece) participated in the conference in
addition to the representative of the Armenian schools of Istanbul. The
active participation of various educational structures and councils was
noteworthy.
The final session of the conference, before His Holiness Aram I’s concluding
remarks, featured wide-ranging discussions on a number of issues related to
the conference. Many constructive proposals were also set forth by the
participants. The proposals were drafted by a special committee and are
presented below as a blueprint for future projects.
A dinner banquet was organized Saturday evening in honour of the
participants in Bikfayya coupled with a beautiful cultural entertainment
program presented by the Seminary students.
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View the photos here:
tos/Photos290.htm
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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 conferences
held in Antelias, 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