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Antelias: HH Aram I Wants Christian Identity of Jerusalem Preserved

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  • Antelias: HH Aram I Wants Christian Identity of Jerusalem Preserved

    PRESS RELEASE
    Catholicosate of Cilicia
    Communication and Information Department
    Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
    Fax: (04) 419724
    E- mail: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.cathcil.org/

    PO Box 70 317
    Antelias-Lebanon



    Armenian version: http://www.cathcil.org/v04/doc/Armenian.htm#76


    "THE CHRISTIAN IDENTITY OF JERUSALEM MUST BE PRESERVED"
    DECLARED HIS HOLINESS ARAM I



    ANTELIAS, LEBANON - After an intensive discussion with His Beatitude
    Patriarch Sabbah, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem at the Armenian
    Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, His Holiness Catholicos Aram
    I made the following statement to the press:

    "We follow closely and with profound concern the prevailing situation in the
    occupied Palestinian territories as well as in Jerusalem. Unfortunately the
    ongoing violence, destruction and killing keep the prospect of permanent
    peace with justice far away. His Beatitude shared with us the tremendous
    difficulties and daily problems facing the Palestinian population. He also
    expressed his deep concern regarding the diminishing Christian presence in
    Jerusalem.

    In fact, for centuries the churches have had an organized and impact making
    presence in Jerusalem. Therefore, one cannot remain indifferent vis-à-vis
    the actual situation in Jerusalem where the numerical size of Christian
    communities has been significantly reduced, many Christians are leaving
    Jerusalem and the activities of Christian churches are becoming increasingly
    confined to certain areas of Christian life. These developments are due to
    the intolerant and oppressive policy of Israel. We never accept that the
    Christian identity of the Holy City be eligibly ignored and systematically
    changed. We never accept that the Christian presence and witness become more
    and more weakened in the birthplace of Christianity. We never accept the
    policy of the Government of Israel aimed at the total judaization of
    Jerusalem.

    Where are our western Christian brothers and sisters in view of this dangero
    us developments taking place in Jerusalem? In fact, Jerusalem cannot be
    simply considered a place where a western Christian finds the remnants of
    Christian history. The Christian communities have been integral part of the
    history of Jerusalem. They are living and witnessing realities in the Holy
    City and they should remain so. Therefore it is expected from the Churches
    outside the Middle East to express their solidarity and their attachment to
    Jerusalem more tangibly and actively by exerting pressure on their
    respective governments to stop the judaization of Jerusalem. We firmly
    believe in co-existence of religions. This is integral to the history of the
    Middle East. Jerusalem has been a model of co-existence and it should remain
    so. I believe that the World Council of Churches, the Vatican and the Middle
    East Council of Churches will continue to assist the churches of Jerusalem
    more efficiently as they face new challenges and tremendous difficulties".

    ##

    The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
    the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
    activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
    the Catholicosate, http://www.cathcil.org/ The Cilician Catholicosate, the
    administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

    ****************

    View printable picture here:
    http://www.cathcil.org/v04/doc/Pictures14.htm#1
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