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HH Aram I: Irrespective of Difficulties, Christians will stay in the

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  • HH Aram I: Irrespective of Difficulties, Christians will stay in the

    IRRESPECTIVE OF DIFFICULTIES, CHRISTIANS WILL STAY IN THE MIDDLE
    EAST', SAID HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

    - MAY 24, 2013
    http://www.armenianlife.com/2013/05/24/%E2%80%98irrespective-of-difficulties-christians-will-stay-in-the-middle-east%E2%80%99-said-his-holiness-arami/

    ANTELIAS, Lebanon - On Thursday 23 May 2013, the International
    Conference on `Christian Presence and Witness in the Middle East'
    opened in Beirut. The conference was organized by the World Council of
    Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches. Around two hundred
    persons from Europe, North America and Africa were invited.

    Rev. Masis Choboyan read the message of His Holiness Aram I. In his
    message, the Catholicos greeted the participants, saying, `You have
    come from different parts of the world to reflect with us on the
    events in the region and its challenges these represent to us.'

    He then made the following points:

    Christians of the Middle East, who are deeply rooted in their
    countries, are strongly committed to Christian-Muslim dialogue.

    Christians in the Middle East have defined their lives according to
    the Biblical Truths and the teachings of Jesus. Their history has been
    one of suffering and martyrdom, one of commitment to spiritual and
    human values and principles.

    Although the Churches are currently facing great challenges, they are
    holding on to hope.

    Despite their difficulties in the past, Christians have not cultivated
    hatred, but have always chosen the language of love. They have never
    accepted defeat and will continue their Christian witness inspired by
    faith, strengthened by hope and enabled by love.

    For centuries Christians have existed with Islam. Although the
    relationship has not always been smooth, Christians and Muslims will
    continue to work together by upholding common values and seeking the
    road to coexistence.

    As members of two Monotheistic religions and co-citizens, Christians
    and Muslims will stay together.

    The Catholicos ended by stating: `As Christians we shall fulfill our
    duties and responsibilities and at the same time we shall remain
    attached to our religious and national rights as citizens and as
    communities.'

    The Catholicos acknowledged the initiatives of the Vatican and the
    World Council of Churches to accompany the local churches. However, he
    asked churches outside the region not to work on their behalf, but to
    express the visible unity of the churches by empowering them in their
    witness and service to the Middle East.

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