The Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, Participates in the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development (CCJSD) of the World Council of Churches

The World Council of Churches commissions held their inaugural meetingս in WCC headquarters in Geneva from the 5th to the 8th of March, 2024 to discuss their strategic plan for the current 8-year cycle. On behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia, Arshav Jerjerian, a member of the Armenian Church University Students Association, participated in…

Prof. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian Elected Vice Moderator of World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on International Affairs

During the recent meetings of three World Council of Churches (WCC) commissions in Geneva, Prof. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, representing the Holy See of Cilicia, was elected as vice moderator of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs. At the session, she delivered a lecture titled “Global Governance: Challenges and Emerging Geopolitical Trends.”   Prof.…

HE MOR CHRYSOSTOMOS MIKHAEL SHAMOUN, ARCHBISHOP OF MOUNT LEBANON AND TRIPOLI VISITED HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

On Friday, March 1st, 2024, the newly elected Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli of the Syriac Orthodox Church, HE Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shamoun, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, seeking pontifical blessing for his new role.   His Holiness Aram I welcomed the guest expressing well wishes for his pastoral endeavors and highlighting the…

THE PERMANENT CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE VISITS HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

The Permanent Christian Conference paid a visit to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024. Their purpose was to seek His Holiness’s insights and opinions on their intention to establish ecumenical cooperation among various Lebanese sects.   During the meeting, the delegation presented the outcomes of their efforts in areas such as…

THREE YOUNG PRIESTS PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY VISIT OF THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES AT THE VATICAN

At the invitation of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and with the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, V. Rev. Fr. Avedik Der Garabedian, V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian, both serving as assistant of the Armenian Theological Seminary Dean, along with and Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, the pastor at Sourp Sarkis Church in…

THE 20TH JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

The 20th meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches was held from January 22 to 26, 2024, hosted by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, with a primary focus on Mariology. With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian…

THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS WITH THE VATICAN’S SECRETARY OF STATE

With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on January 22nd, 2024, HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian visited Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican’s Secretary of State,   The discussion primarily focused on the current situation in Lebanon, where Arch. Nareg conveyed His Holiness’ concerns and thoughts regarding the ongoing issues. Additionally, Arch. Nareg briefed Cardinal Parolin…

THE REPRESENTATIVE OF CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS WITH THE PREFECT OF THE DICASTERY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY

With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, His Eminence Archbishop Nareg Alemezian met with Cardinal Kurt Koch, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, on January 18th, 2024.   The discussions centered around various aspects of the ecumenical movement, including relations between the Vatican and the Holy See of Cilicia, as…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S REPRESENTATIVE HOLDS OFFICIAL MEETINGS IN THE VATICAN

On December 6th and 7th, HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian conducted official meetings in the Vatican with His Holiness Pope Francis, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, and representatives from the Dicasteries for Promoting Christian Unity and the Eastern Churches.   During his meeting with Pope Francis, Arch. Nareg conveyed warm regards from His Holiness Aram I and discussed…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVED THE PATRIARCH OF THE ARMENIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH HIS BEATITUDE PATRIARCH RAPHAËL BEDROS XXI

On December 7th, 2023, His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI of the Armenian Catholic Church visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.   The discussion encompassed the recent Vatican Synod of Synodality, the international conference commemorating the 850th anniversary of the passing of St. Nerses the Gracious, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians in Armenia, and…

THE HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE COMMEMORATING ST. NERSES THE GRACIOUS

With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian and V. Rev. Fr. Bsag Tepirdjian participated in a two-day international conference held from November 30th to December 1st, 2023, commemorating the 850th anniversary of the passing of St. Nerses the Gracious (Shnorhali). The conference was organized by the Pontifical Oriental Institute…

THE KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I DURING THE MEETING FOCUSED ON DISCUSSING ECUMENICAL ISSUES

On Monday, November 20th, 2023, through a joint initiative by the National Council of Churches and St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary, a discussion meeting on ecumenical issues took place at the aforementioned seminary. The gathering included priests and university lecturers actively engaged in the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the National Council of Churches.…

MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE ARTSAKH ARMENIANS WERE DISCUSSED BETWEEN HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I AND ARCHBISHOP GABRIELE GIORDANO CACCIA

On Tuesday, November 21st, 2023, a meeting was held between His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Permanent Observer of The Holy See to The United Nations.   Having prior acquaintance with His Holiness, the meeting lasted approximately two hours in a friendly atmosphere. Discussions prominently featured the Artsakh issue, along with…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I PRESIDED OVER THE ECUMENICAL PRAYERS HELD AT ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL IN NEW YORK

During His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s pontifical visit to the Eastern Prelacy of the USA, the Armenian Prelacy organized ecumenical prayers at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York, acknowledging the influential role of Aram I in the ecumenical movement and wide connections. The ceremony was attended by the prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, His Eminence…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I WAS THE GUEST OF HONOR OF HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP ELPIDOPHOROS

During his pontifical visit to the United States, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I paid a visit to the Headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on Friday, November 17th, 2023. During this visit, he was honored as the distinguished guest of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.   Archbishop Elpidophoros extended a heartfelt welcome…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I OFFERED A LECTURE ON RELIGION IN GEOPOLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST IN GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

On Friday, November 10th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I offered a lecture on the geopolitics of religion in the Middle East, in George Washington University. During the lecture, he emphasized the message of peace and respect for human rights in the monotheistic religions.   First, His Holiness provided a general introduction to the increasing…

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF SECRETARIES OF CHRISTIAN WORLD COMMUNIONS

The Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions held its yearly meeting from October 30th to November 3rd, 2023. After last year’s meeting in Vancouver, the Conference met in The Ecumenical Institute of Bossey and the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva.   The ecumenical officers and secretaries of each respective church family and communion shared their…

ON BEHALF OF HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I, HG BISHOP MESROB SARKISSIAN PARTICIPATED IN THE GLOBAL FAITH LEADERS SUMMIT IN ABU DHABI

On behalf of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the prelate of the UAE and Qatar, HG Bp. Mesrob Sarkissian took part in the Global Faith Leaders Summit, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the Vatican, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) Presidency, and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), on…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE 15TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE OF ASIA

The 15th General Assembly of the Christian Conference of Asia convened in Kottayam, India, from September 28th till October 3rd, 2023 with the theme “God Renew us in your Spirit and Restore the Creation.” H.E. Arch. Sebouh Sarkissian—Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy in Tehran, and deaconess Ani Kristi Manvelian participated in the GA on behalf…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVED A DELEGATION OF SYRIAC TEACHERS VISITING FROM GERMANY

On Saturday, October 7th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received a delegation of Syriac teachers visiting from Germany, headed by His Eminence Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh, Archbishop of Beirut.   Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh expressed their solidarity with the Armenian people and then conveyed the purpose of their…

REPRESENTATIVE OF HIS BEATITUDE YOUHANA X YAZIJI, PATRIARCH OF ANTIOCH AND ALL THE EAST, AND TUMO FOUNDER SAM SIMONIAN VISIT HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RESPECTIVELY

On Saturday, September 30th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram received the representative of His Beatitude Youhana X Yaziji, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, Right Rev. Archimandrite Jack Khalil, who is also the Dean of the St John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand. In attendance were the Dean of…

THE CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE OF ASIA CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE END TO THE BLOCKADE OF ARTSAKH

The Christian Conference of Asia recently issued an official statement calling for the immediate lifting of the Artsakh blockade by Azerbaijan, noting that the blockade is a great humanitarian crisis that cannot be tolerated on moral and legal grounds.   Christian Conference of Asia expressed its support for Artsakh’s right to self-determination in line with…

THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PATRIARCH OF BABYLON OF THE CHALDEANS AND THE PRESIDENT OF HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY VISITED HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I, RESPECTIVELY

On Friday, August 4th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the head of the Chaldean community in Lebanon Bishop Michel Kassarji, representing His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, the Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, and Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, the President of the Haigazian University, respectively.   Bishop Kassarji provided Catholicos Aram I…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVED THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO LEBANON

Archbishop Paolo Borgia, Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I on Monday, August 7th, 2023. They discussed issues concerning the Lebanese presidential election and ecumenical relations between the Holy See of Cilicia and the Vatican.   His Holiness brought to the attention of the Apostolic Nuncio the current situation in Artsakh and…

THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES AND THE CONFERENCE OF EUROPEAN CHURCHES IN A JOINT LETTER TO THE EUROPEAN UNION URGING THE LIFTING OF THE ARTSAKH BLOCKADE

The World Council of Churches and the Conference of the European Churches have extended a joint letter to the European Union and expressed deep concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Artsakh exacerbated by Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor.   The letter underscores the gravity of the humanitarian crisis, stating, “The humanitarian crisis in…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA, PARTICIPATES IN THE WCC CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING

The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), convened in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 21st to the 27th. This is the first Central Committee meeting after the 11th General Assembly, which took place in September 2022, in Karlsruhe, Germany, under the theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.”   The plenary…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA, PARTICIPATES IN THE WCC CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING

On Wednesday, June 21st, 2023, the first full meeting of the World Council of Churches Central Committee following the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, and will conclude on June 27th. H.E. Arch. Nareg Alemezian and V. Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, who were elected as members of the Central Committee, participate in this…

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN ECUMENICAL GATHERINGS

On behalf of the Armenian Church, Catholicosate of Cilicia, V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian­—Director of the Middle East section of the Ecumenical Department, and V. Rev. Fr. Arakel Kadehjian participated in the 50th-anniversary ceremony of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Mount Lebanon and the launching of a special publication dedicated to the occasion, on March…

THE CATHOLICSOATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN KAICIID’S FELLOWS PROGRAM FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, V. Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian—Dean of the Armenian Theological Seminary, participated in the KAICIID’s Fellows Programme for promoting a culture of interreligious dialogue (IRD) and fostering intercultural cooperation on institutional level, which took place on March 17th and 18th, in Malaysia.   Fr. Barouyr presented the…

THE MEETINGS OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA IN THE VATICAN

In preparation for a special event commemorating the 850th anniversary of the passing of St. Nerses the Gracious (Shnorhali) in the Vatican, a meeting was held on March 21st, in the Vatican, between H.E. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, representing the Catholicosate of All Armenians, H.E. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, representing the Catholicosate of the Holy See of…

A MEETING BETWEEN CATHOLICOS ARAM I AND PATRIARCH RAI IN BKERKI

A meeting was held between His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rai in Bkerki to discuss the delayed presidential election. In attendance was Lebanese Armenian MP Hagop Pakradouni and Vicar General of the Maronite Patriarchate Archbishop Paul Sayah.   Patriarch Rai visited the Catholicosate two months ago to consult with Catholicos…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA, PARTICIPATES IN A STUDY VISIT OF YOUNG PRIESTS OF THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES IN THE VATICAN

At the invitation of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and with the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, three young priests­: V. Rev. Fr. Ardavazt Sharoyan, V. Rev. Fr. Yeghia Malkhasian, and Fr. Movses Shannakian, participated in the Oriental Orthodox Churches’ study visit to the Vatican on behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy…

THE  ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

The 19th Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches was held from January 30th until February 5th, 2023, in Cairo. With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, H.G. Bishop Magar Ashkarian, Prelate of Peria (Syria)­, participated in the meeting on behalf of the Armenian Church,…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE BKERKE MEETING OF SPIRITUALS HEADS AIMED AT DISCUSSING THE DELAYED LEBANESE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

A meeting of Lebanese spiritual heads was held in Bkerke on Wednesday evening, February 1st, 2023, to discuss the delayed Lebanese presidential election. This meeting was the result of the discussions which took place between His Holiness Aram I and the His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rai in Antelias a week before.      …

HIS HOLINESS RECEIVED FATHER ANDRAOS AL ANTHOUNY, PASTOR OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH IN LEBANON AND SYRIA, AND THE REPRESENTATIVE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE TAWADROS II

On Thursday, January 19th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Father Andraos Al Anthouny, Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lebanon and Syria, and the representative of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.   Fr. Andraos conveyed the fraternal greetings of Pope Tawadros and shared about issues pertaining to the Coptic community in the…

A DELEGATION REPRESENTING THE COUNCIL OF SUNNI AND SHIITE RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN ANTELIAS

On Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, a delegation representing the council of Sunni and Shiite religious leaders met with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.   The delegation expressed solidarity with the Artsakh Armenians and stressed the imperative of ending the Lachin Corridor blockade, on humanitarian grounds. The delegation also expressed their commendation to His Holiness for…

CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE OPENING SERVICE OF THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY IN LEBANON

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Lebanon commenced on Sunday, January 15th, 2023, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bsalim. With the Blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, H.E. Arch. Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy in Lebanon, and V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian participated in the service.   The…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I OFFERS CONDOLENCES FOLLOWING THE PASSING OF POPE BENEDICT XVI

In his condolence letter, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I praises the lifelong dedication of the late Emeritus Pope Benedictus XVI and mentions his contribution as one the greatest theologians of the Catholic Church who has played a key role in the formation and development of the theological approaches of the Catholic Church with his clear…

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI

On Monday, January 2nd, 2023, His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI, the patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. He was accompanied by Bishop Kevork Assadourian. In attendance was also Arch. Gomidas Ohanian and Arch. Nareg Alemezian.   The meeting was an opportunity to exchange Christmas and New Year’s greetings. They…

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE “LISTENING TO THE EAST” ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE

PRO ORIENTE and the Institute for Ecumenical Studies of the Angelicum organized an international ecumenical conference entitled “Listening to the East” with the purpose of exploring the synodal traditions within the different Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches. The conference was held at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), in Rome on November 22-27, 2022.…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF SECRETARIES OF CHRISTIAN WORLD COMMUNIONS

The Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions held its yearly meeting from November 7th to the 11th, 2022. This was the first meeting to occur in-person since the last gathering in 2019. Participants gathered from around the globe in Vancouver, Canada, and were hosted by the Pentecostal World Fellowship.   The ecumenical officers of…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I OFFERS CONDOLENCES OVER THE PASSING OF ARCHBISHOP CHRYSOSTOMOS II

On Monday, November 7th, 2022, His Holiness Aram I extended a condolence letter to the Holy Synod of the Cyprus’ Greek Orthodox Church over the passing of Archbishop Chrysostomos II, head of the church.   In his letter, His Holiness states that the late Archbishop Chrysostomos II has served the church remarkably on every level, and…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVED ECUMENICAL REPRESENTATIVES FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD

On Saturday, November 5th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received ecumenical representatives from Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Finland, USA, and Egypt, who had arrived in Lebanon to hold consultations on the Christian presence and witness in the Middle East and to voice their support for the churches of the region through the Middle East Council…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATED IN THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX-ANGLICAN INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION’S MEETING

The Oriental Orthodox-Anglican International Commission held its ninth residential meeting from 24th to 29th of October 2022, at The Bethel Centre of the Coptic Orthodox Church, in Braintree, Essex, England, hosted by the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London. V. Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate, continued his participation in the commission on…

A MEETING IN EGYPT BETWEEN HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I, HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH MOR IGNATIUS APHREM II AND HIS HOLINESS POPE TAWADROS II

On October 17th to 19th, 2022, representatives from the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, and the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria convened in the Anba Bishoy Monastery, in Egypt. A fellowship between these three oriental orthodox churches was established in 1996, and since then, the heads of the…

THE ARMENIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PARTICIPATED IN THE ATIME GENERAL ASSEMBLY ONLINE MEETING

On Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, the General Assembly of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) convened online and discussed matters related to adopting a creative approach, the protection of environment, strengthening of inter-church cooperation and ecumenism, among other topics.     V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian participates in the meeting on…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATED AT THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 11TH ASSEMBLY

The World Council of Churches held its 11th General Assembly from August 31st to September 8th 2022, in the German city of Karlsruhe with the theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.” The Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia participated with a delegation consisting of twelve members—six clergy: Archbishops Gomidas Ohanian, Sebouh…

WCC, CEC LETTER TO OSCE CHAIRMAN URGES AVOIDING FURTHER ESCALATION IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

In a letter to H.E. Zbigniew Rau, OSCE chairman-in-office, and minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca and Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen, general secretary of the Conference of European Churches, jointly appeal for urgent action by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO HIS HOLINESS POPE TAWADROS II OF ALEXANDRIA OVER COPTIC CHURCH FIRE IN EGYPT

On Tuesday, August 16th, 2022, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a condolence letter to the head of the Coptic Church His Holiness Pope Tawadros II over the fire erupted on August 14th, killing dozens of worshippers gathered for Sunday Morning Divine Liturgy at a church in Giza.   The letter reads: “With deep sorrow we follow the…

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

On June 20th to 24th, 2022, the 18th Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches was held at the Vatican. On behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, H.G. Bishop Magar Ashkarian and V. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian (co-secretary) participated in the meeting.   Participants…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR THE CHRISTIAN UNITY STUDY VISIT PROGRAM IN THE VATICAN

With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and on behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, three young priests participated in the Oriental Orthodox Churches’ study visit to the Vatican organized by the Pontifical Council for the Christian Unity, from May 30th to June 6th, 2022.   The program was launched in…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE “ONE COMMON HOME, LEBANON OF HOPE” CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY CARITAS LEBANON YOUTH

On Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, a conference celebrating the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II visit to Lebanon was organized by Caritas Lebanon Youth, entitled “One Common Home, Lebanon of Hope.” With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian, V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian, and V. Rev. Fr.…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE INTER-ORTHODOX PRE-ASSEMBLY CONSULTATION

On Thursday, May 12th, 2022, Orthodox Churches convened in Cyprus for a pre-assembly consultation in preparation for the WCC General Assembly to be held in Germany. On behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia Arch. Sebou Sarkissian (Prelate of Tehran) and Arch. Kegham Khatcherian (Prelate of Greece), participated in the meeting.  

A MEETING BETWEEN HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I AND HIS BEATITUDE PATRIARCH RAPHAEL BEDROS XXI

On Tuesday, April 19th, 2022, His Beatitude Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI, accompanied by the Patriarchal Auxiliary of Beirut Bishop Kevork Assadourian and the parish priest of the Armenian Catholic Holy Cross Church Fr. Sebouh Garabedian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I in Antelias. In attendance was also the Prelate of Lebanon Arch. Shahe Panossian and the…

THE HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES AT A SYMPOSIUM AS PART OF THE FAJR CULTURAL DAYS

The Iranian Cultural Center of the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran in Lebanon, in collaboration with the International Centre for Dialogue Among Civilizations (ICDAC), and as part of the Fajr Cultural Days, has organized a symposium dedicated to the cultural diversity, under the sponsorship of the Lebanese Minister of Culture Mohamed Mourtada, on Tuesday,…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the highest decision-making body of the WCC, convened by virtual conference, from February 9th to the 16th. Over 200 committee members and advisors joined the meeting. The plenary focused primarily on preparing for the 11th WCC Assembly, which will take place in September of this…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

Between January 26th and 28th, 2022, the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches was held online. On behalf of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia Bishop Magar Ashkarian and V. Rev. Boghos Tinkjian (co-secretary) participated in the Dialogue. Participants discussed the document on the seven…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARY COUNCIL

The Commission on World Mission and Evangelism of the World Council of Churches (WCC), in collaboration with the International Missionary Council (IMC), marks the 100th anniversary of the IMC through a series of activities taking place in 2021-2022. The events of the centennial will focus on the history, current status and future field of work…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I AND THE BISHOP OF THE OLD CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SWITZERLAND MEET IN GENEVA

On Wednesday, November 3rd, a meeting was held between His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and Dr. Harald Rein, Bishop of the Old Catholic Church in Switzerland, in Geneva. The aim of the visit was to examine the course of the ongoing discussions between the two Churches on contemporary socio-ethical issues, as well as the possibilities…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE ANGLICAN–ORIENTAL ORTHODOX INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION MEETING

The Anglican–Oriental Orthodox International Commission held its yearly gathering virtually, from October 26th to the 28th, 2021. The members of the commission shared their reports and updates. The meeting focused mainly on continuing the work on the draft of the current working document of the commission, entitled “The Inheritance of Ecumenical Councils in the Church.”…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVED THE ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY FOR ECUMENICAL RELATIONS OF THE LUTHERAN WORLD FEDERATION

On Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Rev. Dr. Dirk Lange, Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations of the Lutheran World Federation, to discuss the possibilities of establishing a theological dialogue between the two Churches.   In attendance to the meeting was Prof. Teny Pirri-Simonian, the Catholicosate’s Ecumenical Representative in Geneva.…

HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I GIVES AN INTERVIEW TO THE JOURNAL UNITÉ DES CHRÉTIENS ON THE CURRENT ECUMENICAL SCENE

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I gave an interview to Unité des Chrétiens, a French ecumenical journal, and voiced his opinions and concerns on the current ecumenical scene.   In his reply to the questions, His Holiness stated that the ecumenical movement has lived a decline in the last decade. For this, His Holiness recommended the…

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE THEOLOGICAL AND ECUMENICAL COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE MECC

On Wednesday, October 20th, the newly formed “Theological and Ecumenical Committee” of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held its first meeting virtually, presided by the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs and with members representing different churches in the Middle East. V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian participated in the meeting on behalf of the…

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF SECRETARIES OF CHRISTIAN WORLD COMMUNIONS

The Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions held its yearly meeting virtually from October 12th to the 14th, 2021. The ecumenical officers of each respective church family and communion shared their reports and updates. The executive session of the conference elected its new chair for the upcoming term, and finalized the details of the…

A MEETING BETWEEN HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I AND HIS BEATITUDE PATRIARCH RAPHAEL BEDROS XXI

On Tuesday, October 12th, 2021, a meeting was held between His Holiness Aram I and His Beatitude Raphaël Bedros XXI, at the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate, in Beirut.   His Holiness warmly congratulated His Beatitude on his election as head of the Armenian Catholic Church and expressed hope of continued fraternal cooperation between the two Churches.…

G20 11-14 September 2021, Bologna, Italy The role of religious leaders and institutions in responding to the crisis in the Arab region

More than at any other time, the world, which is marked by increasing tensions, polarizations and crises of diverse nature and scope, is in dire need of healing. Healing is achieved through dialogue, mutual understanding and acceptance, and common commitment to ethical values and human rights. Religion may play a pivotal role in building ethically…

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH, HOLY SEE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES (MECC)

The Executive Committee of MECC held its meeting online on August 3rd, 2021. H.G. Bishop Mesrob Sarkissian – the chair of the Gulf churches Fellowship – and Dr. Jean Salmanian – member of the Ecumenical Committee of the Catholicosate and member of ExComm of the MECC – participated in the meeting on behalf of the…

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, the highest decision-making body of the WCC, convened via video meeting from June 23rd to the 29th. Over 200 committee members and participants joined the meeting. Two members of the central committee participated on behalf of the Catholicosate: V. Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Ecumenical Officer of…

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I ASKS POPE FRANCIS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE RELEASE OF ARMENIAN POWS

(originally published by Horizon Weekly)   His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has spoken about the consequences of Artsakh War, especially the return of Armenian captives, with His Holiness Pope Francis.   The conversation was held on the sidelines of the meeting of Lebanon’s religions leaders in the Vatican.   His Holiness reminded that Azerbaijan’s illegal…

POPE FRANCIS HOLDS MEETING WITH HIS HOLINESS ARAM I, OTHER CHRISTIAN LEADERS OF LEBANON

(Originally published by Horizon Weekly)   His Holiness Pope Francis held a meeting with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai, and other Lebanon’s Christian leaders to discuss the country’s crisis.   Pope Francis and the patriarchs of Lebanon’s various Christian groups walked from the Santa Marta residence where he lives…

“WE ARE HEADED TO THE VATICAN TO PRESENT THE STRUGGLES OF THE LEBANESE PEOPLE AND STRESS THE IMPERATIVE OF FORMING A NEW GOVERNMENT” HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

Considering that the July 1st meeting of the Christian leaders of Lebanon in the Vatican is the initiative of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, various political, religious and academic figures, as well as Lebanon’s Ambassador to the Holy See and representatives of the Lebanese civil society and media, held correspondences with the Catholicos to learn…

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN ONLINE TRAINING ON ADVANCING THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

Under the umbrella of “The Interreligious Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arab World- IPDC” and in cooperation with and organized by KAICIID, “She4Dialogue” commenced its online training sessions on May 24th, 2021.   The one-year program aims at empowering women as practitioners of dialogue, strengthening the role of women in combating hate speech,…