The Catholicos? designation coincides with the 500th anniversary of the printing of the first book in Armenian utilizing newly-developed technology, and the recent selection of Yerevan by UNESCO as the ?Book Capital of 2012.?
In a recent sermon delivered at the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias, Lebanon, His Holiness said that the Armenian book should remain the reliable friend of every Armenian and called on Armenians in all walks of life to value the Armenian book. ?The Armenian book should remain the reliable companion of the Armenian family, the school, and community organizations. It will contribute to the spiritual and intellectual growth of every Armenian. Because of its power to enrich and enlighten, it will equip our people to enter into dialogue with civilizations.?
In his pontifical message His Holiness also noted: ?The book is a rich source of knowledge; and knowledge generates faith and faithfulness, responsibility and commitment; it enhances self-understanding and promotes mutual respect and understanding. It is our wish that through these efforts and other ways that you may think of, we shall re-establish the centrality and vital importance of the book in the life of the Armenian Church and nation. We also hope that through our commitment to Armenian published works, we shall strengthen our national identity and deepen and broaden the dialogue with our neighbors in different environments in which we live.?
From the Catholicos' Pontifical Message:
On the occasion of the ?Year of the Armenian Book?, through our Pontifical Message, we address the Prelates, Clergy, the leadership of Church Councils and Community organizations of the Holy See of Cilicia, and ask them to cherish and promote the Armenian book as the bastion of Armenian spiritual and cultural values, as the foundation of our Armenian national heritage and identity and as the source of the ideals and dreams of the Armenian people. We therefore recommend the following:
1. Armenian academics and writers be invited to produce works of quality and vision that may enable our people to enrich their lives with spiritual, moral, cultural and national values, tradition and ideals.
2. Armenian benefactors be encouraged to sponsor the publication of specific works or create earmarked funds to support publication projects.
3. Armenian families be encouraged to build their own libraries at home and read and discuss Armenian books as an integral part of family life and activities.
4. Armenian publishers be supported in their endeavors and helped to ensure reasonable prices for books to make them available to the wider public.
5. Libraries be created in schools and community centres in order to enrich the interaction between the Armenian book and our youth and children.
The book is a rich source of knowledge; and knowledge generates faith and faithfulness, responsibility and commitment; it enhances self-understanding and promotes mutual respect and understanding.
It is our wish that through these efforts and other ways that you may think of, we shall re-establish the centrality and vital importance of the book in the life of the Armenian Church and Nation. We also hope that through our commitment to the Armenian published works, we shall strengthen our national identity and deepen and broaden the dialogue with our neighbours in different environments in which we live.
Source: Catholicosate of Cilicia, January 2012
http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/
