On May 19, 2026. in a public lecture at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I observed, “Christian communities in the Middle East are increasingly becoming shrinking minorities. An objective assessment of the current situation clearly indicates that the very future of Christianity is at stake in its birthplace.”
He challenged the deep-seated conviction held by some Western circles that Christians are universally persecuted in the Middle East. However, he acknowledged that in certain countries, Christians sometimes face various forms of discrimination, often related to the surge of Muslim fundamentalism.
Addressing the issue of citizenship, Aram I emphasized that Christians aspire to see the values of equal citizenship continuously strengthened in practice, so that all citizens—regardless of religious affiliation—may fully enjoy the same rights, responsibilities, opportunities, and sense of belonging within their societies. He continued, “While many states in the region draw inspiration from Islamic traditions and values, they also possess civic and constitutional frameworks that can ensure inclusivity and equal participation. Within this context, constructive arrangements can be developed to safeguard the religious, educational, cultural, and legal distinctiveness of Christian communities, while also strengthening national unity and social cohesion.”
Catholicos Aram I described the migration of Christians as “an existential crisis,” noting that every crisis—whether economic, security-related, or political—has led to significant waves of Christian migration and, consequently, a sharp decline in the Christian presence.
For His Holiness Aram I, developing “a common strategy” with “a common vision” for Christianity in the Middle East is a must. Within this perspective, he identified seven areas of reflection and action:
Strong attachment to the homeland
– Rebuilding community life
– Fostering interaction between religious and national identities
– Overcoming the minority-majority complex
– Moving beyond dialogue to engagement
– Transitioning from being observers to becoming active participants
– Shifting from self-protective concern to proactive involvement
He emphasized that a common celebration of Easter is an urgent necessity to give visible expression to Christian unity. Furthermore, he highlighted education and diakonia as two vital dimensions of the church’s missionary engagement. In concluding his lecture, he outlined the following expectations:
– Moving beyond dialogue, encounter, and collaboration, Christians and Muslims—as co-citizens who share the same joys and sorrows, achievements and challenges—should commit themselves seriously and responsibly to nation-building.
– Political authorities challenge prevailing perceptions in the West that Christians in the Middle East are “marginalized” and “threatened” by providing Christians with broader opportunities and space. Such steps would undoubtedly strengthen Christians’ attachment to their homeland.
– Western Christianity should view Middle Eastern Christianity not as remnants of the past, but as organized and active communities and bridge builders between East and West, as well as among the monotheistic religions.
– The worldwide diaspora communities of Middle Eastern churches should express their responsibility towards their homelands and mother churches in more concrete and impactful ways.
