November 1, 2019

THE LAY COUNCIL AND THE JOINT ASSEMBLY CONCLUDE THEIR SESSIONS

Under the presidency of His Holiness Aram I, the Lay Council of the Central Council held its meeting on October 30th, 2019, at the Catholicosate and discussed the following topics: property and construction, finance and administration, the Armenian district in Fanar, project Byblos, the “Nor Cilicia” Village in the Republic of Artsakh, issues concerning the prelacies and the Catholicosate.

 

Following this meeting and the Religious Council’s meeting on October 29th, the Joint Assembly convened on October 31st, presided over by the Catholicos, and discussed matters concerning the reorganization of the prelacies, revitalization of the Syrian Armenian community, the lawsuit for the return of the Catholicosate’s historical seat in Sis, cooperation with the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, Armenia and Artsakh and the 25th anniversary ceremonies of His Holiness Aram I’s consecration and ordination as Catholicos. 

 

Following the proceedings and discussions, His Holiness delivered his remarks and re-emphasized the followings:

  • In the same way as the Church belongs to the people, because the people are the church, the Catholicosate of Cilicia belongs to its people and has serving the people at the core of its mission. This principle should be reflected in the mission of our prelacies as well, led by their respective prelates.
  • The Armenian Diaspora today is in a chaotic situation and reassessment of the diaspora situation is imperative for its reorganization and strengthening. The role of our prelacies in this process is vital and they should carry out the matter with seriousness.   
  • Our collaborations with Armenian and Artsakh have always been and remain one of our priorities; however, the role of the Armenian Diaspora is not only to offer input but also to have an active contribution in the advancement of Armenia and Artsakh.
  • Spreading the spiritual values of our church through Christian education and social services is important. The Church is not an administrative center, but a God-given mission directed at the people.

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