PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Director
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"THE CHURCHES OF INDIA PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT"
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
"The ecumenical movement owes a great deal to the churches of India. With
their theological input, active participations in ecumenical discussions,
and firm commitment to the ecumenical vision they played a significant role
in the formation and expansion of the ecumenical movement", said His
Holiness Aram I on his arrival to Cochin, India, on Wednesday 24 February.
Speaking about his visit to India, Aram I said that although he is invited
by His Holiness Catholicos Moran Mor Baselios Marthoma Didymos I of Indian
(Malankara) Orthodox Church, he considers his visit ecumenical: "Ecumenism
is not out there; it is a local reality. We must be ecumenical primarily on
the local level. How can the churches manifest concretely the ecumenical
spirit through joint ventures, by sharing their joy and problems, and
addressing together common concerns? This must become a permanent concern
and challenge for the churches" according to Aram I.
In response to a question regarding the prevailing conflict within the
Indian Orthodox Church, Catholicos Aram I said that "he has not come to
India with a mission of reconciliation". He also added that "he cannot
remain indifferent in view of the division in the same church. Working for
unity and reconciliation is at the heart of Christian vocation".
His Holiness stressed the vital importance of interreligious dialogue. In
his view, "interreligious dialogue is no more an academic exercise, it is
integral to our daily life in this globalized world. India is a model of a
pluralist society in which dialogue is an existential reality. Hence, we
must take this dimension of Christian life and witness very seriously". His
Holiness, who has a rich experience in the area of interreligious dialogue,
pointed out that Indian theologians have brought, out of their concrete
experiences, a significant contribution to many initiatives of dialogue on
the global level.
The visitation program of Aram I will include meetings with the leaderships
of the churches of India, meeting with the holy synod of the Indian Orthodox
Church, public lectures on ecumenical topics and visits to the churches and
church-related institutions.
His Holiness is accompanied by H.E. Arch. Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of
Tehran, H.E. Nareg Alrmezian, Ecumenical officer, and his secretary V. Rev.
Mesrob Sarkissian.
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View the photos here:
c/Photos/Photos441.htm
http://www.ArmenianOrthodox Church.org/v04/doc/Photos/Photos442.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.