January 16, 2010 - 15:45 AMT
Aram I: presence of Christianity in Middle East important for the whole Christian world
Greek President Karolos Papoulias met Friday with the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, His Holiness Aram I.

Upon receiving greetings of Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, Mr. Papoulias expressed his gratitude, stressing that Lebanon is capable of significantly contributing to preservation of peace in Middle East.

A number of important issues were discussed at the meeting. Aram I emphasized the importance of Christianity's presence in Middle East for the whole Christian world, specifically noting the necessity of preservation and strengthening of Christianity in its very homeland on the background of interreligious relations.

The Holy See of Cilicia (also known as "the Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia" is one of two sees of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Since 1930, it has been headquartered in Antelias, Lebanon. Aram I has been Catholicos of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church since 1995.