Aram I congratulates Tawadros II as new Coptic Orthodox PopeNovember 21, 2012 - 12:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Archbishops Sebouh Sarkissian and Nareg Alemezian traveled to Cairo to represent His Holiness Aram I and the Catholicosate of Cilicia at the enthronement of Tawadros II as the new Coptic Orthodox Pope. In his message, read out by Archbishop Sebouh, His Holiness Aram I referred first to the long historical relations between the Coptic and Armenian Orthodox Churches since the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. After the division of the Orthodox churches, the two sister churches worked together to counter the heretic groups weakening their communities. His Holiness emphasized the importance of the ecumenical movement as an instrument of the churches to work together. He also mentioned the Christian presence in the Middle East, and said, “For centuries, Christians and Muslims have lived together in the Middle East. The two Monotheistic religions should continue living together by affirming their common values and by respecting their differences.” At the end of his message, His Holiness Aram I called on Pope Tawadros II to strengthen relations between Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East through the Meeting of the Heads of Oriental Orthodox Churches and the activities of its committees. The meeting was established 15 years ago by the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Armenian Church (Catholicosate of Cilicia). Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency. Partner news | Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Russia confirms start of withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh The Kremlin has confirmed reports about the start of the withdrawal of Russian peacekeeping forces in Karabakh. France recalls its ambassador to Azerbaijan France on April 16 said it had recalled for consultations the French ambassador to Azerbaijan. Protesters rally as Georgia debates 'foreign agent' bill Georgian critics label the bill "the Russian law", comparing it to legislation used by the Kremlin to crack down on dissent. |