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 ARRIVES IN THE ARMENIAN DIOCESE OF TEHRAN
His Holiness Aram I arrived in Tehran yesterday evening on a direct flight
from Beirut. In the airport’s VIP lounge in Tehran, His Holiness was greeted
by government officials, representatives from the department on the dialogue
of religions, the Primates of the three Dioceses of Iran, Archbishop Sebouh
Sarkisian (Primate of the Diocese of Tehran), Bishop Papken Tcharian
(Primate of the Diocese of Isfahan) and Bishop Neshan Topouzian (Primate of
the Diocese of Azerbaijan). The Ambassador of Armenia in Iran, Garen
Nazarian, the Armenian deputies in the Iranian Majles Kevork Vartanian and
Robert Peklarian as well as members of the Armenian Religious Assembly and
diocesan Council also welcomed the Pontiff upon his arrival at the airport.
In an interview with journalists, His Holiness Aram I explained the purpose
of his visit. "The main purpose of our meeting is to have the third meeting
on the dialogue of religions with the Islamic Republic of Iran’s department
on the dialogue of religions, cultures and civilizations. The first dialogue
meeting was held here about eight years ago on their invitation. The second
meeting was held about three years ago in the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s
Antelias headquarters. This is now the third meeting that will be held.
Therefore, we are here on an official invitation, however, we will also
participate in diocesan, communal and other events. In consultation with the
Primates of the Dioceses we particularly wanted to grab this opportunity to
preside over the special event dedicated to the Year of Christian Education
and to address the faithful on this unique occasion. Christian faith is the
basis of our nation’s survival. Therefore the spreading of spiritual and
moral values is important."
His Holiness Aram I’s visit to Tehran will coincide with diocesan and
communal events in the Diocese.
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View the photos here:
tos/Photos318.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 dioceses 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.