On Thursday, December 21st, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Deputy Head of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, accompanied by Mufti Sheikh Abdul Amir Shams al-Din, Sheikh Mohammed Hijazi, head of media Mr. Wassef Awada, and member of the Counexecutive council Abdel Salam Shukur.
Present alongside His Holiness at the meeting were the Prelate of Greece, HE Arch. Kegham Khatcherian, the Head of the Cilicia Library, HE Arch. Shahan Sarkissian, and the Director of the Middle Eastern Section of the Ecumenical Department of the Catholicosate, V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian.
Welcoming the guests, His Holiness underscored the amicable ties between the Lebanese Armenian and the Shiite communities and underscored their collaborative efforts to strengthen internal unity and foster prosperity in Lebanon. Addressing the delayed Lebanese presidential election, His Holiness stressed the urgent need for the prompt election of a president, which he considered crucial for allowing the country to resume its natural course and facilitate the formation of a new government.
Regarding the war in Gaza, His Holiness reiterated the longstanding support of the Armenian people for the Palestinian cause. He pointed out Israel’s involvement, specifically its military support to Azerbaijan during the Artsakh war. His Holiness also expressed surprise at the apparent silence of some communities, including the Shiite community in Lebanon, during the occupation of Artsakh.
In response, Sheikh Al-Khatib affirmed that the Armenian community maintains a cherished place in the hearts of the Shiite community. He expressed recognition for the hardships Armenians endured post-genocide, seeking refuge in Lebanon, and commended their evolution into a well-organized and lively community today. Speaking on the issue of Artsakh, he stated that even though Azerbaijan is aligned with the Shiite religion, the Shiite community’s stance in Lebanon is rooted in justice, and consequently, they support the rights of the people of Artsakh.
Sheikh Al-Khatib subsequently discussed the condemnable actions of Israel against the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, underscoring the sad reality that the prevalence of destruction and loss of life has become an everyday occurrence in Gaza. He also emphasized the urgency of conducting the Lebanese presidential elections which will steer the country out of the current socio-economic crisis.
The Catholicos and the Sheikh delved into discussions about regional matters. In this context, His Holiness expounded on the role of the Holy See of Cilicia in the Diaspora and referenced the Armenian community in Iran. Sheikh Al-Khatib, in turn, reflected on his academic years in Iran, expressing his familiarity with the Armenian community there. Additionally, he recalled his participation in inter-religious dialogue, during which he had the opportunity to meet His Holiness and gain insights into his role.
At the end of the meeting, Sheikh Al-Khatib suggested that, after Christmas, a gathering of spiritual leaders take place at the Shiite community center, to which His Holiness welcomed the proposal.
