Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
MESS AGE
ASIA -MIDDLE EAST INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia
12-14 November 2006
Antelias, Lebanon
Religious leaders from Asia and the Middle East came together in Antelias,
Lebanon on November 12-14, 2006 at the invitation of His Holiness Catholicos
Aram I at the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilica. His Holiness Aram I provided
the vision and guidance for this meeting, which was convened so that
religious leaders from these two regions could get to know each other better
and begin to develop greater understanding of each other’s religious
traditions.
Between them, Asia and the Middle East gave birth to the world’s great
religions. And yet until now, there has been little inter-religious exchange
between these two regions. During this meeting, through panel discussions,
dialogue and meditation, we sought together ways to build bridges between
religions, cultures and nations, striving to understand each other’s
concerns and challenges.
Bridges of faith can provide hope and healing to wounded nations and
pain-filled people, of which there are too many in our world today. During
the dialogue, we heard serious concerns from both Asia and the Middle East
regarding the world situation. We heard of the need to recommit ourselves
to the spiritual core of our religious traditions so that people and
societies may translate into daily life the spiritual and moral values
cherished by our traditions. We also heard of the need for religion to
provide us with the strength, vision and understanding for reconciliation
among individuals and communities based on truth and justice. We heard of
the need for an engaged spirituality, where the deeper meaning of our
traditions, moral teachings and values can be experienced. And we heard of
the need to foster a deep respect for the differences that give us our
distinctive identities, while recognizing the universal values that bring us
together as a human community.
Because these issues present strong challenges and because there is an
urgency felt by all, we dare to move from dialogue and contemplation to
common action. These small groups of religious leaders from Asia and the
Middle East have listened intently to one another. Trust has begun to build.
We have found common ground and acknowledged our differences. We have
challenged one another and have grown in love, mutual understanding and
respect. Our beginning, though humble, is strong. We believe there can be no
turning back! We declare this not for ourselves, but because we fervently
seek peace for our hurting and war-weary world.
Therefore, we, the participants in this first, historic Asia-Middle East
Inter-Religious Dialogue, urge His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to continue
this pioneering journey by initiating a process and providing a framework
for deeper exchange. We call for an ongoing effort that will enable the
spiritual leaders of our regions to come together with a united moral voice
to address issues of great concern to the world community. A small working
group can continue this process and create the necessary framework so that
this effort can grow. In closing, we leave this place agreeing to pray for
one another and to continue our exchange. Hearing the call for renewed and
joint spiritual action on the part of the world’s faith communities, we must
and will respond.
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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.