THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE
SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF ARMENIA’S NEW PRESIDENT
04/07/2008
A delegation from the Catholicosate of Cilicia will represent His Holiness Aram I and the Catholicosate and at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected president of Armenia. The delegation consists of Primate of the Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian and Primate of the Diocese of Aleppo, Bishop Shahan Sarkissian.
The delegation will convey to the new President the well-wishes of His Holiness Aram I and will reaffirm the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s support and active participation in the strengthening of Armenia and the unity of the Armenian nation. The delegation will be hosted by the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, and will convey to him the brotherly greetings of His Holiness Aram I.
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I DISCUSSES THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT’S NEED FOR RENEWAL
DURING AN INTERVIEW WITH A GERMAN MAGAZINE
04/03/2008
Catholicos Aram I recently discussed interchurch and interfaith issues during an interview with the Schneller magazine (German). He stressed that churches should start viewing the ecumenical movement from a different perspective. The world is witnessing new developments; the role of religion is becoming more emphasized in people’s lives. The church can not remain indifferent towards these trends, the Catholicos maintained, adding that the ecumenical movement was in need of a fresh self-recognition, novel approaches towards the current world’s challenges and a new agenda. Read the German version of the interview below.
THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES
IN A CONFERENCE IN LACHINE
04/02/2008
A Pan-Armenian conference was convened recently in Lachine (Nagorno Karabakah), where some 100 participants gathered to discuss the development of the construction, agricultural, health, cultural and educational sectors in the region. The conference was organized jointly by the “Tufenkian” Charity Fund and the Government of the Nagorno Karabakah Republic.
The Primate of the Diocese of Tehran, Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, represented the Catholicosate of Cilicia in the conference and delivered Catholicos Aram I’s message, which emphasized the Catholicosate’s full endorsement of all initiatives aimed at strengthening Karabakh. Members from the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s Assets’ Committee and the various dioceses of the Holy See also participated in the conference.
PARTICIPATION
IN THE
BLESSING OF HOLY MURON
IN ANTELIAS
7 June 2008
The Holy Muron (Holy Chrism) has a particular place in the spirituality of the Armenian Church. With the anointment of the Holy Muron we become member of the Armenian Church. Our people believe that through the touch of the Holy Muron we are reborn, recreated, and restored in God's image. Indeed, the Holy Muron is a source of spiritual transformation and renewal.
According to the ancient tradition of the Armenian Church, the Holy Muron is prepared with the perfume of forty flowers and herbs, olive oil and balsamum being the essential ingredients. The preparation of the Holy Muron is a long process and each stage is accompanied with special prayers. Before its blessing, which takes place normally once every seven years, the Muron rests forty days on the altar of the Cathedral.
The next blessing of the Holy Muron will take place this year, on Saturday 7 June, in Antelias, Lebanon. Our people all over the world are invited to attend this unique spiritual event.
On this occasion usually our faithful make special donations. Therefore, those who would like to make donation, as a tangible way of participation in the preparation and blessing of Holy Muron, they can send their contribution either through the local Prelacies or to the following account:
Bank: FRANSABANK SAL, Antelias branch, Lebanon
Name of account: ARMENIAN CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
Account Nš: 003 35 22 21 532027.87
SWIFT Code: FSAB LB BX