Aram I
Encyclopedia
His Holiness Aram I is the head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia and has been Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church
since 1995. He resides in Antelias
, Lebanon
.
, Lebanon
as Bedros Keshishian, after studying at the Armenian Theological Seminary, Antelias, Lebanon
and the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey, Geneva
, Switzerland
, he received his M.Div. from the Near East School of Theology
, his S.T.M. jointly from the American University of Beirut
and Near East School of Theology
, and his PhD from Fordham University
in New York
. His Holiness Aram I also holds several honorary degrees. His major areas of specialization are philosophy, systematic theology, and Near Eastern church history.
(the Head of the Church) by the Electoral Assembly of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia (35 clergy and 115 lay representatives), and was consecrated one week later.
Called to serve as Primate of the Armenian Community of Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War
, His Holiness reorganized parishes and schools, restructured and reactivated church-related institutions, and renewed community leadership.
As Head of Church, he:
in Beirut. He has also given numerous public lectures in various universities, academic and cultural centers, and at public events and international gatherings.
In addition to his numerous articles and reviews in Armenian, English and French (some of which have been translated into Arabic, German, Spanish and Swedish), His Holiness Aram I has authored the following books:
In 2000, he indicated that he had no problem with the substance of Dominus Iesus
, the Holy Office's document on relativism, but he faulted it for its unecumenical language.
The Catholicos of Indian Orthodox Church
, Baselios Thoma Didymos I confirred Aram I with the ‘Order of St. Thomas’ on February 27, 2010 at Kolenchery
. ‘Order of St.Thomas’ is the most presigious honor at the Indian Orthodox Church
.
With his vision and commitment and with his hard work, His Holiness Aram I has made the Catholicosate of Cilicia of the Armenian Church “a living center of reflection, dialogue and action”.
The CV of His Holiness appears in Who's Who in the World, in the International Directory of Distinguished Leaders and in many other regional and international directories, dictionaries and publications.
Armenian Apostolic Church
The Armenian Apostolic Church is the world's oldest National Church, is part of Oriental Orthodoxy, and is one of the most ancient Christian communities. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD, in establishing this church...
since 1995. He resides in Antelias
Antelias
Antelias is a town in Lebanon. It is located around 5 km to the north of Beirut. Its inhabitants are mainly Christians and include Armenians , Maronites, Greek Catholics and Greek Orthodox ....
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
.
Education
Born in 1947, in BeirutBeirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
as Bedros Keshishian, after studying at the Armenian Theological Seminary, Antelias, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
and the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey, Geneva
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, he received his M.Div. from the Near East School of Theology
Near East School of Theology
The Near East School of Theology is an interdenominational Protestant theological seminary serving the Evangelical churches of the Middle East and African churches, and is once again able to accommodate international students who have a special interest in Biblical and Islamic studies in a Middle...
, his S.T.M. jointly from the American University of Beirut
American University of Beirut
The American University of Beirut is a private, independent university in Beirut, Lebanon. It was founded as the Syrian Protestant College by American missionaries in 1866...
and Near East School of Theology
Near East School of Theology
The Near East School of Theology is an interdenominational Protestant theological seminary serving the Evangelical churches of the Middle East and African churches, and is once again able to accommodate international students who have a special interest in Biblical and Islamic studies in a Middle...
, and his PhD from Fordham University
Fordham University
Fordham University is a private, nonprofit, coeducational research university in the United States, with three campuses in and around New York City. It was founded by the Roman Catholic Diocese of New York in 1841 as St...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. His Holiness Aram I also holds several honorary degrees. His major areas of specialization are philosophy, systematic theology, and Near Eastern church history.
Church Ministry
Catholicos Aram I was ordained as a celibate priest in 1968 and obtained the title of Vartabed (Doctor of the Armenian Church) in 1970. In 1979, after serving for one year as Locum Tenens, he was elected Primate of the Armenian Orthodox Community in Lebanon; the next year he received episcopal ordination. In June 1995, His Holiness was elected CatholicosCatholicos
Catholicos, plural Catholicoi, is a title used for the head of certain churches in some Eastern Christian traditions. The title implies autocephaly and in some cases is borne by the designated head of an autonomous church, in which case the holder might have other titles such as Patriarch...
(the Head of the Church) by the Electoral Assembly of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia (35 clergy and 115 lay representatives), and was consecrated one week later.
Called to serve as Primate of the Armenian Community of Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War
Lebanese Civil War
The Lebanese Civil War was a multifaceted civil war in Lebanon. The war lasted from 1975 to 1990 and resulted in an estimated 150,000 to 230,000 civilian fatalities. Another one million people were wounded, and today approximately 350,000 people remain displaced. There was also a mass exodus of...
, His Holiness reorganized parishes and schools, restructured and reactivated church-related institutions, and renewed community leadership.
As Head of Church, he:
- reorganized and revitalized the work of the Church, particularly in the areas of theological formation, Christian education, publications, communications, cultural activities, youth, justice and peace, and human rights.
- realized several construction projects in the Catholicosate, such as: the 'Cilicia' Museum, Center of Archives and Manuscripts, buildings for bishops and monks, a guesthouse and offices, a center for youth and university students, and in Beirut apartments for low-income families, etc.
- paid pontifical visits to all the dioceses of the Catholicosate in the Middle EastMiddle EastThe Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
, EuropeEuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, and North and South America, and brought a new dynamism to the relationship between these worldwide dioceses and the administrative center of the Church, the Catholicosate, in LebanonLebanonLebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
; - emphasized the Church’s outreach through social service (orphanage, old peoples’ home, blind peoples’ home, and school for the disabled);
- strengthened ecumenical relations and collaboration, by establishing a special department for this work, developing close personal relations with world church leaders, organizing important ecumenical meetings and events, and chairing and lecturing at international conferences and events in different regions;
- In the context of international relations, he met with a number of heads of states, political and religious leaders, and representatives of international organizations.
Academic and Intellectual Achievements
For many years His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has regularly lectured on armenological, theological, and ecumenical subjects at the Armenian Seminary and Haigazian UniversityHaigazian University
Haigazian University was founded in 1955 in Beirut, Lebanon. It offers programs leading to Bachelor's degrees in the Arts and Sciences, as well as Master's degrees in the Arts. All degrees from Haigazian are recognized by both the Lebanese government and the Association of International Colleges...
in Beirut. He has also given numerous public lectures in various universities, academic and cultural centers, and at public events and international gatherings.
In addition to his numerous articles and reviews in Armenian, English and French (some of which have been translated into Arabic, German, Spanish and Swedish), His Holiness Aram I has authored the following books:
- Nerses the Gracious: Theologian and Ecumenist, 1974, Beirut (in Armenian).
- The Witness of the Armenian Church in a Diaspora Situation, 1978, New York (in English), two editions.
- The True Image of the Armenian Church, 1979, Antelias (in Armenian).
- With the Will of Re-Building, 1983, Beirut (in Armenian).
- With the People, 1989, Beirut (in Armenian).
- Conciliar Fellowship: a Common Goal, 1991, Geneva (in English), two editions.
- Orthodox Perspectives on Mission, 1992, Oxford (in English), two editions.
- Towards the 1700th Anniversary of the Christianization of Armenia, 1996, Antelias (in Armenian).
- The Challenge to be a Church in a Changing World, 1997, New York (in English), two editions.
- Jesus Christ: the Son of God-the Son of Man, 1999, Antelias (in Armenian), two editions.
- Church, Nation and Homeland, 1999, Antelias (in Armenian), two editions.
- In search of Ecumenical Vision, 2000, Antelias (in English), three editions.
- L’eglise Face aux Grands défis, 2000, Antelias (in French), two editions.
- The Armenian Church Beyond the 1700th Anniversary, 2002, Antelias (in English), three editions.
- The Mission of Faith, 2003, Antelias (in Armenian), two editions.
- Justice, Paix, Réconciliation, 2003, Antelias (in French).
- The Christian Witness at the Crossroads in the Middle East, 2004, Antelias (in English), three editions.
- Der Zor: A National Sanctuary, 2005, Antelias (in Armenian).
- The Dignity of Serving, 2005, Antelias (in Armenian).
- For a Church Beyond its Walls, 2006, Antelias (in English).
- Pour un Monde Transformé, 2006, Antelias (in French).
- Dialogue with Youth Montreal, 2009 (in English and French).
- Enriching Life with values, Antelias, 2009 (in Armenian).
- St. Nerses the Gracious and Church Unity, Antelias, 2010 (in English).
- A Journey of Faith, Hope and Vision, Antelias, 2011 (in English).
- Taking the Church to the People, Antelias, 2011 (in English).
Ecumenical Engagement
His Holiness was appointed in 1972 as the Catholicosate’s representative for ecumenical relations and he served in this position until 1995. His Holiness has played a major role in the worldwide ecumenical movement:- He was a founding member of the Middle East Council of ChurchesMiddle East Council of ChurchesAfter many years of preliminary moves, the Middle East Council of Churches was inaugurated in May 1974 at its First General Assembly in Nicosia, Cyprus. Initially it contained three "families" of Christian Churches in the Middle East, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Oriental Orthodox Churches...
(MECC), in 1974. From the beginning he has served on the Council's Executive Committee and played a leading role in the major initiatives of the Council. - As delegate of his church, he attended the Nairobi (1975), Vancouver (1983), Canberra (1991), Harare (1998) and Porto Alegre (2006) Assemblies of the World Council of ChurchesWorld Council of ChurchesThe World Council of Churches is a worldwide fellowship of 349 global, regional and sub-regional, national and local churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service. It is a Christian ecumenical organization that is based in the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland...
(WCC), and several international conferences. - In 1975, he was elected as a member of the Faith and Order Commission of the WCC, and in 1983 as a member of its Standing Committee. At the Vancouver Assembly (1983), His Holiness was elected as a member of the Central Committee of the WCC.
- At the Canberra Assembly (1991), he was elected Moderator of the Central and Executive Committees of the WCC, the highest position of this global fellowship of churches, which comprises more than 350 churches from different confessions, cultures, nations and regions. He is the first Orthodox and the youngest person to be elected to the position of Moderator. After serving as Moderator for seven years, His Holiness was unanimously re-elected at the Harare Assembly (1998). The re-election of His Holiness, which was based on his "strong leadership, firm commitment, theological knowledge and administrative experience", was unprecedented in the history of the WCC.
- Catholicos Aram I is a founding member of the Oriental Orthodox-Eastern Orthodox Theological Dialogue, Oriental Orthodox-Reformed Theological Dialogue, and the Orthodox-Evangelical Dialogue. He has played an important role in initiation of Oriental Orthodox-Roman Catholic and Oriental Orthodox-Lutheran Theological Dialogues. His Holiness is an honorary member of Pro Oriente.
- His Holiness was instrumental in creating, in 1996, the fellowship of the Three Heads (Coptic, Syrian, Armenian) of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East.
- His Holiness is a president of the Middle East Council of ChurchesMiddle East Council of ChurchesAfter many years of preliminary moves, the Middle East Council of Churches was inaugurated in May 1974 at its First General Assembly in Nicosia, Cyprus. Initially it contained three "families" of Christian Churches in the Middle East, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Oriental Orthodox Churches...
since November 2007.
Inter-Religious Dialogue
As a strong supporter of inter-religious relations, dialogue and co-operation, His Holiness Aram I has played a significant part in promoting common values, mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence among religions. In this context he:- worked hard as Primate to create tolerance and build mutual confidence between Christian and Muslim communities during the most critical times of Lebanese Civil WarLebanese Civil WarThe Lebanese Civil War was a multifaceted civil war in Lebanon. The war lasted from 1975 to 1990 and resulted in an estimated 150,000 to 230,000 civilian fatalities. Another one million people were wounded, and today approximately 350,000 people remain displaced. There was also a mass exodus of...
. - made frequent reference in his writings and public interventions to the vital importance of dialogue and collaboration among the living faiths of the world.
- initiated a number of inter-religious dialogues and took active part in important inter-religious meetings on regional and international levels.
- played an instrumental role in re-organizing the Christian-Muslim Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches, and in preparing the International Inter-religious Conference organized by the World Council of ChurchesWorld Council of ChurchesThe World Council of Churches is a worldwide fellowship of 349 global, regional and sub-regional, national and local churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service. It is a Christian ecumenical organization that is based in the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland...
(June 2005). - organized in Antelias a high level meeting of the representatives of religions of Asia and the Middle East.
- gave lectures at inter-religious meetings, universities, and public events in different parts of the world.
- His Holiness is an honorary President of the World Religions Museum Foundation, and the World Conference of Religions for Peace.
- brought a significant contribution as key note speaker and moderator to the G8 Inter-Religious Summits.
In 2000, he indicated that he had no problem with the substance of Dominus Iesus
Dominus Iesus
Dominus Iesus is a declaration by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. It was approved in a Plenary meeting of the Congregation, and bears the signature of its then Prefect, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, and of its then Secretary, Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, now...
, the Holy Office's document on relativism, but he faulted it for its unecumenical language.
The Catholicos of Indian Orthodox Church
Indian Orthodox Church
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, also known as the Indian Orthodox Church, is an autocephalous Oriental Orthodox church centred in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the churches of India's Saint Thomas Christian community, which traces its origins to the evangelical activity of Thomas...
, Baselios Thoma Didymos I confirred Aram I with the ‘Order of St. Thomas’ on February 27, 2010 at Kolenchery
Kolenchery
Kolenchery is a small town located on National Highway 49 , 27 km east of Cochin city in Ernakulam district of Kerala State, India. Just a hamlet with a church, handful of schools and cinema theatre five decades ago, it has grown rapidly through large-scale real estate developments. The...
. ‘Order of St.Thomas’ is the most presigious honor at the Indian Orthodox Church
Indian Orthodox Church
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, also known as the Indian Orthodox Church, is an autocephalous Oriental Orthodox church centred in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the churches of India's Saint Thomas Christian community, which traces its origins to the evangelical activity of Thomas...
.
Commitment to Peace with Justice
As a result of his strong commitment to peace with justice, and human rights, His Holiness:- became a strong voice for mutual understanding among religions, cultures and civilizations.
- organized regional and international seminars and conferences at the Catholicosate, in Antelias.
- gave public lectures to university students, visiting academic, religious and NGO groups.
With his vision and commitment and with his hard work, His Holiness Aram I has made the Catholicosate of Cilicia of the Armenian Church “a living center of reflection, dialogue and action”.
The CV of His Holiness appears in Who's Who in the World, in the International Directory of Distinguished Leaders and in many other regional and international directories, dictionaries and publications.