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 MEETS WITH SYRIA’S GRAND MUFTI

His Holiness Aram I met with Syria’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Badr al-Din
Hassoun in his Damascus headquarters on Wednesday.

Welcoming the Armenian Pontiff, the Mufti of the Republic recalled his visit
to Antelias and the long-standing friendship that ties him to His Holiness
Aram I. The Mufti spoke about the important role of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia in the ecumenical and Christian-Muslim dialogue spheres. The Mufti
said: "Catholicos Aram I has played an important role in this regard and we
are confident he will continue with renewed efforts, becoming the translator
of Christian-Muslim coexistence in the Middle East." His Holiness praised
the positive efforts of the Mufti to give a push to Christian-Muslim
dialogue in Syria and the Middle East generally. His Holiness also stressed
the importance of spiritual and moral values in the life of society and the
mission of religions in this respect.

Attending the meeting alongside His Holiness was a delegation, which
included the Primate of the Diocese of Aleppo Bishop Shahan Sarkisian,
Deputy Sounboul Sounboulian, Chairman of the Lay Council of the Diocese of
Aleppo Mr. Daron Avedissian, Mr. Levon Yedalian, Mr. Zareh Poladian, Mr.
George Tufekdjian and Mr. Hovig Terterian, Mr. Harout Vartanian from
Der-Zor, the representative of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Damascus Mr.
Mesrob Shirinian, Mr. Noubar Melikian from Damascus and staff-bearer Father
Mesrob Sarkisian.

After the official meeting, His Holiness and the Mufti of the Republic held
a private meeting. Bishop Shahan Sarkisian was also present.

In the evening, His Holiness organized an Iftar in honor of the Mufti. All
the Christian and Muslim spiritual Leaders of Syria, high-level community
and political officials, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia Dr.
Arrshag Poladian, Primate Bishop Sarkisian, members of the Diocese’s
Political Assembly from Damascus and other community members were invited to
the luncheon.

In his address to the attendants, His Holiness said: "In Islamic tradition
Iftar is an opportunity for self examination. It is a call to the Muslim
faithful to embrace spiritual and moral values just as the 40-day Lent
preceding the resurrection of Christ is an opportunity for the Christian man
to open up to moral and spiritual values."

Then Aram I said: "Christianity and Islam are based on the principles and
values of love, justice, peace, mercy and tolerance. These values are not
theories. They are relevant to our everyday life and our two monotheistic
religions attach great importance to them. Let us not forget that religion
is not a combination of teachings or philosophical ideas. Religion is a
quality of life, a way of living in which God is a constant presence. God is
not only the creator of life, but also its pivot and purpose".

Concluding his remarks, Catholicos Aram I said: "Today’s world, its
conflicts and its difficulties, challenge us to get involved more deeply and
seriously in frank dialogue, in building together to mutual respect and
understanding community in which we can live together as neighbors".

Responding the Pontiff’s address, the Mufti of the Republic emphasized the
importance of spiritual and moral values. He welcomed His Holiness’ strong
emphasis on living together as neighbors, reminding that Middle East is a
concrete example in this respect. He praised His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s
important role in international circles, in the context of strengthening
mutual understanding and collaboration among religions and cultures.

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View photos here:
c/Photos/Photos310.htm
http://www.armenianorthodox church.org/v04/doc/Photos/Photos311.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 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.