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 CONTINUES HIS MEETINGS IN TEHRAN
On November 2, His Holiness Aram I received the Head of Iran’s Islamic
Culture and Relations Organization, Mehdi Mostafavi, and the Head of
‘Dialogue among Religions’ Department, Dr. Rasoul Rasoulipouri at the
Armenian Prelacy in Tehran.
They discussed ‘the dialogue of religions’ and specifically
‘Christian-Muslim cooperation’. They put together preliminary plans for
future dialogue(s). His Holiness expressed his view regarding both issues
and highlighted the importance of interreligious cooperation with current
challenges in mind.
The Pontiff had a grand welcome the same day by the Armenians of the Zeytoun
neighborhood. After the blessing of the salt and bread, His Holiness entered
the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church with "Hrashapar". Bishop Norayr
Asehkian officiated the Mass. Primate Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian delivered
the welcoming remarks, after which His Holiness addressed the enthusiastic
crowd.
His Holiness strongly stressed the need for Armenians to become integrated
in Church life and to preserve their national values. The faithful had a
unique opportunity to intimately communicate with their spiritual leader
during Atchahampouyr.
An official luncheon was organized in honour of the Pontiff in the
"Shaghoulian" Hall in the Sassoun neighborhood with the participation of the
Diocesan council, members from regional councils and other official guests.
The previous day His Holiness had officiated the vespers in the St.
Vartananats Church, where a grand public welcome was held. Armenians
celebrated their spiritual leader’s presence and listened carefully to his
Pontifical address.
After the public gathering, His Holiness inaugurated the new headquarters of
the "Sartarabad" union. In his address on this occasion, the Pontiff praised
all those who contributed to transforming their dream into reality and
building a new roof for the "Sartarabad" union. He expressed hope that the
new center would be filled with life and would thrive with the community’s
collective efforts.
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View the photos here:
tos/Photos322.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.