THE ARMENIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

The official schism of the Armenian church in the VIth century did not prevent many bishops, along centuries, to remain in communion with the Universal Church. Henceforth, since the XIth century, the Armenians united their efforts to those of the Crusaders for the re-conquest of the Holy places, and entered in relation with the church of Rome. However, this union did not materialize.

The birth of the Armenian Catholic Church did not take place until late 1742. It was recognized as such by the Pope Benoit XIV, and having at its head the patriarch Abraham-Pierre 1st ARDZIVIAN. Its residence was first at the Kreim, close to Harissa, then the patriarch bought land at Bzoummar where his successor built a convent and placed the first patriarchal ecclesiastical community which became thereafter a center of radiance for Lebanon, Cilicia, Mesopotamia and Egypt.

The Catholic Armenians have dioceses in countries of the Middle East, Europe and in the American continent. Three congregations or masculine religious institutes and a congregation of Catholic Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception share the monastic life.

SITUATION IN LEBANON

From 1928, the Armenian Catholic Church was again reorganized to the administrative, scholar, cultural and social level. The number of its supporters is evaluated at approximately thirty thousand, served by about thirty priests and monks, spread over eight parishes.

The Armenian Catholic Church is present in the religious, cultural, political and social Lebanese scene. Although the Armenian people are scattered, they maintain a sense of their national, cultural and religious identity.

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