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Antelias: We demand Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Reparat

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  • Antelias: We demand Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Reparat

    Press Release
    For Immediate Use - Catholicosate of Cilicia

    Communication and Information Department

    Tel: (+961- 4) 410001, 410003
    Fax: (+961- 4) 419724
    E- mail: [email protected]

    Web: www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org

    PO Box 70 317
    Antelias-Lebanon

    We demand Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Reparation from Turkey
    Stated His Holiness Aram I


    Antelias - 12 April 2015. In the morning, a special Mass was
    celebrated in Rome at St. Peter's Papal Basilica to mark the 100th
    anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. A number of clergy, members of the
    diplomatic corps, the President of Armenia and a large number of
    Armenians arriving from different continents attended the service.
    Quoting a declaration signed in 2001 by Pope John Paul II and Karekin
    Il, Pope Francis referred to the massacre of Armenians as the first
    genocide of the Twentieth Century.

    Speaking in Armenian then continuing in English, His Holiness Aram I
    thanked His Holiness the Pope: `The Armenian Genocide,' said the
    Catholicos, `is undeniable and unforgettable. It is documented in the
    20th century annals of history and deeply rooted in the collective
    memory of Armenians.'

    Aram I went on to say, `This carefully planned act by Ottoman Turkey
    is a crime against humanity, which not only claimed one and a half
    million lives, but also destroyed and confiscated thousands of churches,
    monasteries, community centres and spiritual and cultural treasures. On
    the basis of international law, we reclaim justice, which is indeed the
    martyrs' sacred legacy. Justice is a gift of God; violation of justice
    is a sin against God. The Armenian people for one hundred years have
    remained faithful to the legacy of its martyrs by demanding the
    recognition of the Armenian Genocide and reparation. This commitment for
    justice will continue with renewed faith and resolve.'

    Addressing the Pope, Aram I said, `Today, Your Holiness has proclaimed
    Saint Gregory of Narek a doctor of the Church (Doctor Ecclesiae). We
    express our spiritual joy for this decision of the Catholic Church. In
    fact, St Narek is one of the great mystics of world Christendom. He is
    an outstanding theologian; whole theology is not an intellectual
    reflection on God, but a dialogue with God. With his BOOK OF
    LAMENTATIONS, which is a human cry for meaning and salvation, St Gregory
    of Narek remains our eternal contemporary.

    His Holiness Aram I concluded by reminding all those at the Cathedral
    that the Vatican has never been indifferent to the Armenian Genocide.
    Pope Benedict XV wrote a strongly worded letter to the Sultan of Turkey
    protesting the `massive crime' perpetrated against Armenians. In the
    years following the Genocide, the Holy See extended its social and
    humanitarian aid to the Armenian people.

    During the Memorial Service following the Mass, His Holiness Karekin II
    also spoke of the urgency to condemn and recognize the Armenian
    Genocide. The Armenian Catholic Patriarch Nerses Bedros also addressed
    the faithful.


    His Holiness Aram I meets with Key members of the Vatican Curia

    Antelias - 13 April 2015. On Monday, before leaving Rome, His Holiness
    Aram I held three important meetings. He first met with Cardinal Pietro
    Porolin, the Secretary of State, and thanked him for Pope Francis I's
    courageous words on the Armenian Genocide, and for his contribution to
    the statement. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Pontifical Delegate and
    Prelate of Cyprus, accompanied the Catholicos.

    Catholicos Aram I then met with the President of Promoting Christian
    Unity, Cardinal Kurt Koch, and his assistant. The focus of their
    conversation was the state of the ecumenical movement and the current
    challenge to the churches. The Catholicos then discussed the situation
    in the Middle East and the threats to Christians with Cardinal Leonardo
    Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. The
    meeting was attended by Archbishops Nareg Alemezian and Sebouh
    Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, and Bishop Sahé Panossian, Prelate of
    Lebanon.



    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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