PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Director
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
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ADDRESSING THE HOLY SYNOD OF THE INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
ARAM I EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF ORTHODOX UNITY
As part of his visitation program to India, on February 26, 2010, His
Holiness Aram I addressed the Holy Synod of the Indian Orthodox Church. This
was preceded by a prayer service presided on by His Holiness Baselios Mar
Thoma Didymus I, His Holiness Aram I and His Beatitude Paulos Mar Militius
Catholicos Designate.
In his address Catholicos Aram I highlighted the significant aspect of the
Oriental Orthodox-Eastern Orthodox Theological dialogue. As a person who has
been one of the initiators and active members of this dialogue, he strongly
stressed the crucial importance of reactivating this dialogue.
Speaking about the consensus reached in this dialogue, Aram I considered it
as a major step taken in the right direction. At the same time he indicated
the need for further clarity and deeper discussion on a number of issues
pertaining to councils and liturgical traditions and practices. His Holiness
reminded the Holy Synod that both families belong to the same Orthodox
tradition; they are rooted in the apostolic faith and early Church.
Therefore, sharing common apostolic faith these churches are called to renew
their commitment through this process of dialogue aimed at the full
communion.
His Holiness Aram I then presented his view about the Oriental
Orthodox-Catholic dialogue. In his assessment, this dialogue constitutes
another vital dimension for the Oriental Orthodox Churches ecumenical
engagement, and as such it must be taken seriously. He said that we have
commonalities with the Catholic Church in many areas of our life, teachings
and witness. We must deepen those aspects and approaches that unite us and
we must address those critical issues on which we have different attitudes.
Aram I welcomed the particular emphasis of this bilateral dialogue on
ecclesiology. He proposed that moral and ethical issues be included on the
agenda of this dialogue and the findings of this dialogue be shared through
education and awareness building process by the faithful of these churches.
After his presentation, His Holiness answered to a number of questions posed
by the members of the Holy Synod, concerning these dialogues as well as the
various aspects of the ecumenical relations of the Oriental orthodox
Churches.
His Holiness concluded his presentation with an urgent call for Oriental
Orthodox unity. He said that member churches of our family are facing some
intra and inter-church difficulties and sensitivities. We must help each
other to overcome our difficulties as far as possible.
The Holy Synod strongly proposed that His Holiness takes an initiative by
inviting the representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches to the
Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias-Lebanon, as a first concrete
step forward to strengthen the internal unity of the Oriental Orthodox
family.
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View the photos here:
c/Photos/Photos445.htm
http://www.ArmenianOrthodox Church.org/v04/doc/Photos/Photos446.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.