Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Ciliciamet with nearly 100 leaders of the Armenian community of New Jersey.

His Holiness answered the questions that mainly referred to the Armenian Genocide Centennial, Armenians of Syria, political situation in the Middle East, Armenia-Diaspora relations and the mission of the Cilicia Catholicosate.

Speaking about the situation in Syria, Aram I said the Armenian community supports the Syrian people and is grateful for the shelter and help during the Genocide.

“Taking into account the importance of Syria's Armenians, we believe restoration of the community if a national priority,” he said.

Catholicos warned against spreading ungrounded reports about the Armenians of Syria, in particular, in Aleppo. Ungrounded reports and senseless proposals may create a bad atmosphere and may damage the Armenian community. Armenians' safety is a priority and it is necessary to display a realistic approach in the current difficult situation.t