Month: November 2006

Nurmela puts Finland on top
Wednesday, 15 November 2006
Finland saw off a spirited Armenia to claim all three
points and storm to the summit of UEFA EURO 2008~Y
qualifying Group A.
Third win
Veteran forward Mika Nurmela nodded the only goal
within the opening ten minutes as the hosts rarely
broke sweat in sub-zero conditions. The result,
unbeaten Finland’s third win in five games this
campaign, gives Roy Hodgson’s men a one-point
advantage over second-placed Serbia, while Armenia
remain second from bottom with a solitary point from
four matches.
Artificial pitch
The only major adaptation either side had to make
going into the game – aside from Finland having to
cope without injured talisman Jari Litmanen – was the
use of an artificial pitch, but there was nothing
cosmetic about the gritty style of play. Once the
match settled, however, the hosts showed their
attacking prowess, Toni Kallio heading narrowly wide
and Mika Vayrynen testing Gevorg Kasparov’s reactions
with a stinging drive from 20 metres.
Nurmela header
In between, Levon Pachajyan managed to call Jussi
Jaaskelainen into action at the other end, but Finland
stayed on top and made the breakthrough on ten minutes
when the 34-year-old Nurmela nodded Jonatan
Johansson’s chip into the bottom corner. Vayrynen then
added his miscued chance to the couple wasted by
Alexei Eremenko Jr as the home team chased their
second of the evening, though the game was becoming
more about strength than style.
Kasparov save
Armenia briefly flirted with the latter when Armen
Shahgeldyan went close, but as was generally the case
Finland had little trouble dismantling their attacking
threat. After the break, shooting from distance came
into fashion, Joonas Kolkka and Pachajyan trying their
luck from outside the area, but neither goalkeeper had
cause to be concerned until Kasparov parried
Johansson’s close-range effort in the 77th minute.
uefa.com

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
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES
MINISTER OF CULTURE TAREK MITRI
His Holiness Aram I received the Lebanese Minister of Culture,
Dr. Tarek Mitri, in the Antelias headquarters of the Catholicosate
of Cilicia, on Monday 6 November 2006. The official meeting later
extended to a joint lunch.
His Holiness Aram I and the Lebanese official focused mainly on the
internal situation in Lebanon, particularly in light of the recent
internal and regional developments, on which the minister briefed
His Holiness.
Talks were also held on the inter-religious dialogue to be held
in Antelias next week under the auspices and organization of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia. Minister Mitri will participate in this
dialogue and address the meeting.
The Catholicos highlighted the importance of emphasizing cultural
heritage and suggested that Lebanon, with its unique role in the Arab
world with respect to showing interest in such heritage, invest new
liveliness in this field.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
history and 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.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I IS INVITED TO HAVE LUNCH
WITH THE GERMAN AMBASSADOR
The German Ambassador to Lebanon, Dr. Marius Haas, held an official
dinner in honour of His Holiness Aram I on November 8. The European
Union Commissioner for the Middle East was also invited.
The event provided a good opportunity for the Pontiff to discuss with
the EU official issues related to the Armenian Community’s role in
Lebanon and the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s multi-faceted field of work.
Ambassador Haas praised the Armenians Catholicos’ international
efficacy, particularly his role in ecumenical affairs.
The Ambassador had visited Antelias last month with the spiritual
leader of German Churches, Bishop Huber.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
history and 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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I CONGRATULATES
THE NEW SPIRITUAL LEADER OF THE DRUZE
His Holiness Aram I appointed a special delegation headed by the
Primate of the Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, to
congratulate the new spiritual leader of the Lebanese Druze community.
The delegation, including V. Rev. Fr. Norayr Ashekian, Rev. Fr. Torkom
Donoyan and Dr. Jean Salmanian, visited the Druze headquarters in
Beirut on November 9. The delegates conveyed His Holiness Aram I’s
congratulation to the newly elected leader of the Druze community,
Judge Sheikh Naim Hassan and his wishes for brotherly love and
cooperation between the different communities in Lebanon.
The two sides discussed the relationship between the Armenian and
Druze communities. Both Sheikh Naim Hassan and the Armenian Primate
stressed the importance of going beyond coexistence to cooperation.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
Ecumenical activities 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.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I CONGRATULATES THE NEW ARCHBISHOP OF CYPRUS ON
HIS ELECTION
His Holiness Aram I has congratulated the newly elected Archbishop
of Cyprus, Chrysostomos II after receiving an official letter from
the Archbishop about his recent election.
In his congratulatory letter, His Holiness Aram I highlights the
warm historical ties between the Cypriot and Cilician kingdoms and
their continuation through the Catholicosate of Cilicia. He talks
about the active contribution of the Armenian Diocese of Cyprus
and its structures to the progress of the country. The Catholicos
concludes his letter, expressing hope that cooperation between the
Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus and the Catholicosate of Cilicia
continues in all fields for the benefit of both nations.
The new Archbishop will be enthroned on November 12. Archbishop
Varoujan Hergelian, Catholicosal Vicar for the Diocese of Cyprus will
attend the ceremony on behalf of His Holiness Aram I.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
Ecumenical activities 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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MEETS WITH THE
BUDDHIST PATRIARCH OF CAMBODIA
In the framework of the ecumenical conference organized in Antelias on
November 12-15, the Buddhist Patriarch of Cambodia, His Holiness Samdekh
Sangaritch arrived in Antelias with his assistant.
The Armenian Catholicos had a private meeting with the Patriarch in his
guest lounge in the Veharan on November 10. The two spiritual leaders
discussed various issues related to Ecumenical dialogue.
His Holiness spoke to the Cambodian Patriarch about the Armenian nation,
Armenian Church, Armenia and the Armenian Cause. Mrs. Teny Simonian, a
senior official in the World Council of Churches also attended the meeting.
##
View the photos here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities 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.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
TWO NEW BOOKS PUBLISHED IN ANTELIAS
The Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias recently published two new books
with the generous sponsorship of the Armenian Department of the Calouste
Gulbenkian Foundation. Both publications will be important assets in their
respective fields.
“Yegharnabadoum” comes to add one more title to the endless painful
depictions of the horrors of the Armenian Genocide. It belongs to the group
of publications that seek to bring to life this awful crime against
humanity. Reading this volume unleashes an uncontrollable quest for revenge
from the inhuman architects of the Armenian Genocide.
The author of the book Koujgan Sepasdyo, originally Garabed Kapigian, who
describes in detail the unspeakable massacres he witnessed in his hometown
of Sepasdia. Kapigian, who later became a teacher, dedicates his work to
Armenian children. “On the path of blood, what has wounded my heart most has
been the torture of the Armenian boy, his ruthless destruction. Therefore, I
decided to dedicate my “Yeghernabadoum” to his eternal memory and by that
water my heart that is tormented by is fire,” writes Kapigian, hoping that
God will take vengeance on the monstrous committers of the Genocide.
The book is an important contribution to the Armenian nation’s pursuit of
Armenian Genocide recognition and justice.
The second publication, “Hotvadzner yev Ousoumnasiroutiounner” (Articles and
research), is a valuable contribution to explaining the theology, rituals,
services, concepts, traditions and laws of the Armenian Church.
The book is a compilation of important articles and research papers by
Bishop Paren Melkonian of the Cilician Brotherhood, collected from
previously published periodicals and particularly “HASK”, the official
periodical of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. V Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian is
the editor of the new book.
Alongside the author’s biography, V. Rev. Fr. Chiftjian writes about the
timeliness of the new publication: “We are certain that the ecclesiastical,
religious and historical articles will prove useful for the Armenian
believer, whether he is spiritual or lay, by enriching his intellectual
knowledge. Also, before any meetings on the reform of the Armenian Church,
it is essential to read all the ecclesiastical and canonical articles of
this publication in order to be guided by their traditional, constructive
and guiding arguments.”
##
View the book covers here:
15.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the books
published in the Printing House 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.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Read the Pontifical Message in Armenian here:
Messages/messages46.htm
Armenian version:
THE 28TH ARMENIAN BOOK FAIR IS LAUNCHED IN ANTELIAS
The annual Armenian Book Fair organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia was
launched on November 12 in Antelias.
After the Holy Mass held in the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, His
Holiness Aram I headed a procession of the Cilician Brotherhood and the
Seminary students to the Cilicia Museum yard, where the book fair is being
held.
A large number of spirituals, members of Parliament, intellectuals,
students, journalists attended the opening in addition to the believers that
had attended the mass earlier. The representatives of foreign religions who
have come to Antelias to participate in the 3 day Middle East-Asia
inter-faith dialogue were also present at the opening.
A number of local and foreign Armenian publishing houses and authors
participate in the conference alongside the various presses operating within
the Catholicosate. The fair has been organized by the Catholicosate’s
bookstore committee. It includes spiritual, ecclesiastical, philosophical,
literary, pedagogical, musical, cultural and may other types of
publications.
The fair will go on until December 3, opening its doors to book lovers every
day from 10:00 AM till 7:00 PM.
##
View the photos here:
17.htm
os18.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the books
published in the Printing House 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.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
LAUNCHES THE MIDDLE EAST-ASIA DIALOGUE
ORGANIZED BY THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
His Holiness Aram I today inaugurated a unique Middle East-Asia Dialogue
around the theme, “A Recommitment to Spirituality for Mutual Understanding
and Peace.” This dialogue, which brings together around 50 participants from
different religions and communities from both regions, will stress the
essential role played by all religions in the search for justice and peace
in the world today.
In his opening remarks, His Holiness highlighted his main reasons for
organizing the conference:
“The current world is a world of dialogue. The conflicts humanity faces
force nations, religions and cultures to look for solutions through dialogue
and to guide mankind towards justice and peace. Religion should play a
dominant role in today’s societies. Unhappily, religion is sometimes used
for political purposes and violence is sometimes committed in the name of
religion. But in its essence and mission, religion is a source of love,
harmony, justice and peace. Therefore, religions should validate their
calling through dialogue and cooperation.”
Stressing the importance of the conference, the Catholicos said: “the Middle
East and Asia have been a cradle of religions. However, circumstances have
been such that these religions have remained far from, and have sometimes
even been opposed to, one another. The current initiative is unique, because
for the first time the representatives of these continents have come
together. This event presents an opportunity for mutual recognition and
understanding through an honest and constructive dialogue. The conference is
the start of a process, the purpose of which will be the development of
close cooperation between religions in the region.”
The Pontiff then spoke about the uniqueness of religions based in Asia and
the Middle East.
Following His Holiness’ opening remarks, Lebanon’s Minister of Culture, Dr.
Tarek Mitri, welcomed the conference and its participants and conveyed the
greetings of Prime Minister Fouad Seniora.
After the official remarks Ms Dena Merriam and Teny Simonian introduced the
purpose of the meeting. The first session began with messages and speeches
on the general topic of “Compassion and Tolerance,” followed by a discussion
period. The participants in the first session included Father Boulos Wahbe
(Greek Orthodox), the Honorable Master Sheng Yen (Buddhist), His Holiness
Amritanandanayi Devi (Hindu), His Holiness Bour Kri (Buddhist), Judge Abbas
Halabi (Druze), Hares Shahab (Maronite).
The second session, entitled “Prayer: The Heart of Spirituality,” was held
in the afternoon. The presentation was followed by discussions with
participants Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian (Armenian Primate of Tehran), Dr.
Hamid Ahmad El-Rifai (Muslim Sunni), Sister Morin (Hindu), and Metropolitan
George Saliba (Syrian Orthodox).
Ecumenical relations in the international arena has been a key issue on the
Catholicosate of Cilicia’s busy and wide-ranging agenda, particularly during
the last decade. His Holiness Aram I’s position as Moderator of the World
Council of Churches during the last 16 years and his 30-year contribution to
this movement opened the gates of the international community to this Holy
See.
The main incentive behind the current inter-faith dialogue was the desire of
various circles to learn from the experience of the Catholicosate of Cilicia
and particularly its Head.
##
View the photos here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
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.

PRESS RELEASE
~U”Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund
~UGovernmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
~UContact: Anush Babayan
~UTel: 3741 52 09 40
~UFax: 3741 52 37 95
~UE-mail: [email protected]
~UWeb:
16.11.06
The Phonathon-2006 of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
started
Today started the annual phonathon of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund,
already the fourth in succession.
Till November 17, the specialists of the Fund will call nearly
1300 small, medium and large enterprises of Armenia urging them to
contribute to the large project of “Renaissance of Artsakh” launched
by Himnadram. The funds raised during this marathon will be directed
to implementation of the second stage of the project including the
development of Hadrut Region of the NKR. We would like to remind that
the means gathered in Telethon -2005 have been used for reconstruction
and development of the Martakert Region.
On the threshold of the Telethon, the Fund already receives
donations from many individuals, as well as health care, educational
institutions, banks, and other organizations. Donations are coming
from all the marzes of the republic.
The fundraising process is quite active in schools, though this year
we hadn’t applied to them for participation. By their own initiative
the schools raise funds for the project “Renaissance of Artsakh”.
We express our deep gratitude to the schools of villages Fioletovo,
Lorut, Neghots, and others who have sent their donations before the
marathon thus showing their support to the pupils and teachers of
the schools to be repaired and constructed in the Hadrut Region.
Tomorrow, the Phonathon will begin in France from where the operators
will phone to several European countries.
The very event of the Telethon will be live broadcast all over the
world on November 23 from Los-Angeles.