PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
“The Christian-Muslim Co-existence is a vital dimension
of the Middle Eastern Society”
Stated His Holiness Aram I
Antelias, Lebanon – “For centuries Christians and Muslims have lived
together in the Middle East. Centuries of co-existence, interaction and
dialogue of life have created close affinities in different spheres of
society life as well as common values and traditions. Therefore, the
Christian -Muslim co-existence is neither a conceptual notion nor an imposed
reality, it is an integral and inseparable part of the societies in the
Middle East”, affirmed His Holiness Aram I, in Antelias, Lebanon.
Referring to the bombings of the churches in Iraq, Catholicos Aram I said:
“Violence in all its forms and expressions is against human and religious
values and principles. We have repeatedly stressed the need for dialogue,
solidarity, mutual tolerance, respect and understanding. Neither Islam nor
Christianity will accept violence as a way to solve problems. Bombing of
Christian churches in Iraq is a deep harm against the Christian-Muslim
existence. Both Christians and Muslims with their equal obligations and
rights are co-citizens of the Arab countries. It is my firm expectation that
the government of Iraq will take the necessary measures to protect the
rights and the well being of all citizens. It is also my expectations that
Christians and Muslims in Iraq and in different parts of the Middle East
will continue their dialogue and collaboration based on shared values and
aspirations, and strengthen their commitment to peace with justice”, stated
His Holiness.
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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 history and
the mission 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.