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: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
" ;RESPECT FOR LIFE AND NOT VIOLENCE
SHOULD BE THE PRIORITY"
Said His Holiness Aram I
During an intervention on Tuesday, His Holiness Aram I stated that
the tragic consequences of the recent conflict in Lebanon – the
long funeral chains, the clearing of the rubble of their homes by
returning citizens and the oil spill in the Mediterranean – illustrate
graphically the ruthless violence human beings can impose on one
another. The world community watched helplessly as these violent
acts were committed, and the General Secretary of the United Nations
admitted his disappointment that the UN was unable to act firmly and
in time to stop the violence.
Continuing his comments, His Holiness said, "Such violence
must stop! Human lives should be spared and the environment
protected". According to him, conflict resolution and conflict
prevention are the only means through which violence can be
transformed. He urged the international community to apply
international law and international conventions to this case and to
demand accountability. As former Moderator of the World Council of
Churches, he invited religious leaders and members of civil society
to assume their responsibilities and to engage in dialogue, set up
strategies to overcome violence, promote respect for human life and
the environment, and, most importantly, act together.
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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
history and mission 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.