CATHOLICOS ARAM I: UNITY OF OUR PEOPLE MUST BECOME "SANCTUM SANCTORUM" FOR EACH ARMENIAN
Noyan Tapan
Oct 13, 2009
ANTELIAS, OCTOBER 13, NOYAN TAPAN. Late October 10 when the
Armenia-Turkey protocols were being signed in Zurich, numerous Lebanese
Armenians gathered at Mayravank in Antelias to say once again "No"
to these protocols, vowing to remain faithful to the holy behest of
the Genocide martyrs.
The Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I addressed those present, emphasizing
the inseparable unity of the Armenian Church and the people. At this
crucial moment, he appealed to them to remain faithful to the behest
of the 1.5 million martyrs and to assert the infringed national rights.
"Today, our people is at a decisive point of its modern history. The
Armenian life is in a state of ferment everywhere: all sections of
the Armenian people reject the Armenia-Turkey protocols being signed
at this moment in Switzerland. Despite the explanations given in this
respect, in fact, our people has not been persuaded," Aram I stated.
Catholicos of Cilicia also said in his speech: "We say "No" to all
those lines of action which try to cause a split in our communities by
alienating the Diaspora from Armenia and estranging Armenia from the
Diaspora – just as the genocide perpetrator Turkey is trying to do it
through its president and prime minister. Despite the difference in
opinions, the unity of our people must become a "santum sanctorum"
for each Armenian. Being different does not mean not being united:
being different does not mean not putting the supreme interests and
sacred values of our nation and homeland above any considerations
and temporary gains".
On behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, Aram I called upon the
people "to carry on a united struggle for our fair rights". He stated
that "remaining true to its religious mission and national role, the
Catholicosate of Cilicia with a renewed faith and resolution must be
on our people’s side for the assertion of its fair rights".
According to a report received from Mayravank in Antelias, this rally,
as well as all the meetings held in Lebanon in this connection were
organized by the ARF, the Ramkavar Azatakan Party, and the Social
Democrat Hunchak Party.