Page 166 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

Social Action 167

communities also created housing projects for
needy families. In this context it is important
to mention the Holy See of Cilicia’s construc-
tion of "Cilicia village" in Nagorno-Karabagh.
The Armenian Church’s ministry of
diakonia continues with increasing pace, ac-
quiring, in response to changing local con-
ditions and priorities, different shapes, forms,
and manifestations. Specialized committees,
which have become now an essential part of
the activities of parish churches and dioceses,
are deeply engaged in the Church's social mi-
nistry. The social action of the Armenian
Church today is marked by community-
driven projects and activities that address
a broad range of social and humanitarian
issues, from relief to development, health
care to education. In view of the rapid and
enormous changes in the life style and
expectations of our communities, both in
Armenia and the diaspora, the Church is
called to reassess its theology of diakonia
and revise its methodology of social ministry
by emphasizing prophetic, not institutional
diakonia, community building, not project-
oriented humanitarian service, self-reliance,
not charity. Furthermore, the awareness
building in respect to social justice and the
promotion of human dignity should continue
to remain the guiding principles of the Ar-
menian Church's diaconal witness in the
world today.