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 LECTURES AT URBANIANA UNIVERSITY
His Holiness Aram I on 25th of Nov. gave a lecture at the University of
Urbaniana in Rome. The topic of the lecture was "the Challenges facing
Christianity in the Middle East". The lecture was attended by professors,
diplomats and post graduate students.
Introducing His Holiness Aram I, Cardinal Walter Kasper highlighted the
significant aspects of the life and ministry of Catholicos Aram I. He
emphasized the important role that His Holiness is playing in the ecumenical
movement and inter-faith dialogue. The rector of the University in his turn
praised the contribution of His Holiness to the promotion of dialogue and
mutual understanding among the Churches and religions.
His Holiness first identified significant features of the history of
Christianity in the Middle East. He then referred to the two major concerns
facing Christianity today: namely Christian Muslim co-habitation with all
its implications, and migration of Christians from the region.
In the second part of his talk, Catholicos Aram I elaborated 7 points which
are top priorities for the Churches. These are: firm attachment to Middle
East; renewal of the churches; deepening the unity of the church; renewed
attention to evangelism; reactivation of Christian education; reorganization
of diaconia; strengthening the collaboration with the churches in the West.
Concluding his lecture, His Holiness said that being a Christian is a
challenge; being a Christian in the Middle East is a more complex challenge.
We must face this challenge with the sense of responsibility and
faithfulness to the Gospel of Christ.
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View the photos here:
tos/Photos335.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.