PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
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Antelias-Lebanon
ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES
Aram I
In the Introduction of his recent book, His Holiness Aram I states that “two
salient features of modern societies occupy a central place in this book.”
These are: “First, religion has become pivotal in the daily life of
societies. It is, in one way or another and on a larger or smaller scale,
associated with critical issues and deep concerns, particularly in the
realms of politics, economics, the environment, science and technology.
While religion by its very nature and vocation is a source of peace and
reconciliation, justice and progress, it has also been misused and abused
for evil ends. This abuse of religion, with its far-reaching consequences,
is one of the most complex problems facing the world today.
Second, the world has undergone a tremendous change, driven by the explosion
in the technology of information and communication. We are all part of
cyberspace and are wired into networks, which instantly connect people of
all places, races, religions and cultures, even in the remotest corners of
the globe. Walls are collapsed, boundaries are abolished and lines of
demarcation are destroyed. We are transformed into a cybercommunity, which
has its own culture, value-system, rules and norms. This intercon – nectedness
not only integrates; it also disintegrates. It not only recon – ciles peoples;
it also polarizes them.”
According to Aram I, “the implications of these major and unprece – dented
developments are identifiable in almost all spheres of societal life.”
In his introductory remarks His Holiness reminds the readers that he
“addresses issues with an interactive approach and in a holistic way. One
cannot resolve issues by evading them nor oppose them by simply disagreeing
with them or undermining their im – por – tance. In fact, those committed to
serving huma – nity must discern and confront issues, provide perspective and
seek solutions.” The Catholicos also reminds that “the issues touched in
this book are timely and they deserve focal attention and serious
discussion. I do not claim that the views that I have offered and
observations that I have made are exhaustive. But I do hope that the
perspectives that I have provided may bring a meagre contribution towards
the com – prehensive and critical scrutiny of these complex issues, acute
problems and major challenges.”
The volume includes the following articles:
. Rediscovering the Missio Dei: A Call to the Churches
. Catholicity: Its Implications and Imperatives
. Gregory of Narek: Our Eternal Contemporary
. Identity: A Source of Unity and Division
. Cilician Culture: A Culture of Dialogue
. The Armenian Genocide: From Recognition to Reparation
. The Role of Religion in the Context of Changing Societies
. Religion in the Geopolitics of the Middle East
. Living as a Community with Islam
. The Future of Christianity in the Middle East
. The Arab Spring and the Christian Communities
. Mutual Trust: The Basis of Cohabitation
. Notes from my Ecumenical Diary
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From: Baghdasarian