H.E. CARDINAL ANDRÉ VINGT-TROIS
THE REPRESENTATIVE OF POPE BENEDICT XVI VISITS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
06/29/2009
On Monday 29 June 2009, Cardinal André Vingt-Trois visited Catholicos Aram I after a visit to the President of Lebanon, General Michel Suleiman.
A high-level delegation, including the personal representative of the Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, accompanied the Cardinal. The meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, was also attended by Archbishop Komitas Ohanian, Bishop Norayr Ashekian and Very Rev. Krikor Chiftjian.
The Cardinal and his delegation discussed the evolution of the political situation in Lebanon and relations between the Vatican and the Armenian Orthodox Church, particularly the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The Cardinal also asked for an update on the visit of His Holiness Aram I to the Vatican in 2008.
THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES CONSULTS WITH HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
06/29/2009
Dr. Guirgis Saleh was among those who visited Antelias on Monday 29 June 2009. Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Director of the Unit Life and Service, accompanied him.
The purpose of the visit was to consult with His Holiness Aram I, a President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), on the restructuring report to the Executive Committee Meeting in 17 July 2009. The MECC is currently facing difficulties that call for its radical reorganization. His Holiness Aram I advised the General Secretary to take into account the current financial crisis and the status of ecumenical relations in the proposal to the Executive Committee.
THE AMBASSADOR OF ITALY TO LEBANON VISITS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
06/15/2009
On Monday 15 June 2009, the Ambassador of Italy to Lebanon met with H.H. Aram I for more than an hour and a half. During this period they discussed the situation in the Middle East and signs of positive developments; the importance of Christian presence in the Middle East, and the forthcoming visit of His Holiness to the G8 Preparatory Meeting in Rome.
Referring to the participation of Catholicos Aram I in the meeting in Rome, the Ambassador said that the presence of His Holiness as a Religious Leader from the Middle East will give visibility to Christian presence in the region, and his personal contribution will impact the agenda.
As it was reported earlier, His Holiness was asked to address the topic “The Role of Religion in addressing the current economic crisis and its repercussions on people and the earth.”
“WE COULD HAVE PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE BY RESPECTING OUR DIFFERENCES,
AND BUILDING ON OUR COMMON VALUES”
SAID ARAM I TO THE IRANIAN REPRESENTATIVES
06/13/2009
On Saturday 13 June 2009 His Holiness Aram I received in his office representatives of the Department for Dialogue among Religions and Cultures of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian Prelate of Tehran and Bishop Papken Charian Prelate of Isfahan, were also present at the meeting.
The Iranian Delegation discussed with Catholicos Aram I the status of dialogue between Christians and Muslims, and plans for the next meeting of the Theological Dialogue Committee between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The Committee had met in 2008 in Tehran, and will be meeting again in May 2010 in Antelias (Lebanon).
At the end of the meeting, His Holiness Aram I told his visitors that talking to one another and theological reflections alone will not promote peaceful co-existence among people of the two religions unless respect for differences, and cooperation based on common values are incorporated in the dialogue process.