PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version: nian.htm
"IT IS THE CLERGY THAT BRINGS INTO LIFE THE MISSION OF OUR CHURCH"
SAID HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
The two-day General Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s Brotherhood
ended on June 6 with the concluding remarks of His Holiness Aram I, who
praised the constructive participation of the Brotherhood members in the
discussions that took place and those who delivered the talks, expressing
their viewpoints and concerns on various important issues.
The second day of the Assembly featured some special topics such as "The
multi-faceted service of the Armenian clergy in the present world in the
spiritual, educational, cultural and social fields", "A reassessment of the
Cilician Brotherhood’s mission." Talks were presented on these two themes by
Brotherhood members. Both presentations underlined challenges that needed to
be overcome. Discussion followed to each presentation.
The concerns expressed by the speakers on the challenges Armenian clergy
face, particularly in the Diaspora, in their spiritual, educational,
cultural and social fields of service, became the center of attention of
much debate by the Brotherhood members.
In his concluding remarks, the Pontiff shed light on some of the expressed
concerns and difficulties, giving new impetus to the Brotherhood’s calling
to serve the church. His Holiness called upon the Brotherhood members to
overcome these difficulties and face the identified challenges through
dedicated service, which he considered to be one of the unique
characteristics of the Cilician Brotherhood.
"Service is our glory, our strength, our reputation. However, our
Brotherhood should constantly subject itself to reassessment and renewal. It
is our Brotherhood that brings into life our Holy See’s mission. Therefore,
our strict policy towards spiritual-intellectual formation is essential. In
order to speak with the current world, we need to know the language, the
problems and challenges of the current world," His Holiness emphasized.
Talking about the Church’s true character and its service, Aram I said: "It
is necessary to preserve the specific identity of our church’s mission in
its spiritual, social, educational and cultural aspects. Our church is not
simply a national structure, but a Godly mission in our people’s lives",
reminded His Holiness.
The General Assembly also adopted the Cilician Brotherhood’s By-Laws, which
has been refined through years of practice and trial. The Brotherhood
presented the By-Laws the Pontiff for ratification.
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View the group photo here:
tos/Photos268.htm
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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.