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: nian.htm
THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA’S EFFORTS RESULT
IN RECONCILIATION BETWEEN THE COPTIC AND ETHIOPIAN CHURCHES
July 13 2007 became a historic day for the Coptic and Ethiopian Churches,
whose spiritual leaders, Patriarch Shenouda III (Coptic Church) and Abune
Paulos (Ethiopian Church), reconciled in the St. Mark’s Coptic Church in
Cairo in the presence of His Holiness Aram I and thanks to his efforts.
Metropolitans, Archbishops and Bishops from both churches and a large crowd
of believers attended the historic meeting.
Prior to the signing of the Joint Declaration, a service was held in the
cathedral. Patriarch Shenouda greeted Catholicos Aram I and Patriarch
Paulos, stressing the historical importance of this meeting and expressing
his deep appreciations for the crucial role the Armenian Pontiff played in
this initiative. In his own speech the Catholicos described the day as
blessed with a unique message and challenge. His Holiness also emphasized
the importance of expanding cooperation within the family of orthodox
churches.
Finally, Patriarch Paulos also spoke about the importance of the event
particularly in the context of relations between the Coptic and Ethiopian
Churches. He also highlighted the historic trip of the Catholicos of Cilicia
to Ethiopia.
Following the speeches, Metropolitan Bishoy from the Coptic Church, Bishop
Nareg Alemezian from the Catholicosate of Cilicia and Archbishop Abba
Timothy from the Ethiopian Church read the Joint Declaration which was later
signed by the three spiritual leaders.
The Joint Declaration underlines the unity of faith of the Oriental
Orthodox Church and the need to preserve and strengthen it with cooperation.
Patriarchs Paulos and Sehnouda then thanked His Holiness for the important
role he played in their reconciliation. The Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox
Churches then express their mutual commitment to increasing cooperation in
various fields.
Patriarch Shenouda organized an official luncheon in the evening in honor
of the two spiritual leaders and their delegations.
His Holiness Aram I returned to Antelias the next morning and the Synods
of the Coptic and Ethiopian Churches held a joint meeting at the Coptic
Church’s Patriarchate.
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View the photos here:
tos/Photos13.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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
