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
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I WELCOMES THE
INCLUSION OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCHES OF IRAN IN THE LIST OF UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) this year officially registered the Monastery of Saint Tate in the
Armenian Diocese of Azerbaijan (Iran) in its list of internationally
recognized heritage sites. Included in the same list are the Monastic
complex of Saint Stephanos and the Saint Asdvadzadzine Chapel of Dzor Dzor.
On this occasion His Holiness Aram I in a letter to the President of the
Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed "this great spiritual and cultural
achievement and the important role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this
respect".
Speaking about the importance of these religious sites, His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I said: "Among these historically valuable religious
structures, the Monastery of Saint Tate has a special importance and meaning
for our people and church. It is where one of the first Apostles that
brought Christianity to the Armenian nation, Saint Tateos, was martyred. The
annual pilgrimage to Saint Tate is a centuries-old tradition for our people.
On three occasions we have personally led the pilgrimage to Saint Tate".
Considering the presence of these religious sites within the borders of the
Islamic Republic of Iran "as a tangible expression of Christian-Muslim
coexistence", His Holiness emphasized the importance of deepening the
dialogue of religions, cultures and civilizations.
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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.