ASIA/LEBANON - Armenian Catholic Synod: in agenda Genocide centenary, martyrs’ beatification, situation of Middle East Christians

Friday, 5 September 2014

Beirut (Agenzia Fides) – The annual meeting of the Synod of the Armenian Catholic Church has begun at the patriarchal See at the Convent of Our Lady of Bzommar, just outside Beirut. The synodal assembly chaired by Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX, comprises 14 bishops and a number of apostolic administrators . The meeting which will continue until next Thursday, will focus on important issues including a programme of initiatives for 2015 on the occasion of the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide as well as the conclusion of the beatification of the Armenian Martyrs. Also for discussion, initiatives to proclaim doctor of the Church Saint Gregory of Narek, a great Armenian saint who lived at the end of the first millennium, monk, illustrious for his doctrine, writings and mystical science. However the Synod will above all discuss and propose initiatives regarding the difficult conditions of many middle east Christian communities at this time in history.
Participants in the synod include Armenian Catholic Bishop Boutros Marayati of Aleppo, who speaks of fresh fear arising in the Syrian city with news of expansionist designs and actions on the part of the Islamic State Jihadist militants: “Beside the usual day to day difficulties regarding supplies of water, electricity and food - Mons. Marayati told Fides, - in Aleppo fear is growing. The militants of the Islamic State are only 40 kilometres away, No one knows if or when they will decide to attack. So, as soon as they can, many, many people continue to abandon Aleppo”. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 5/9/2014).


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