Page 187 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

188 The Armenian Church

rated more and more into the Armenian
communities living in the Ottoman Empire,
the hierarchy of the Armenian Church
reacted negatively to their proselytizing
activity. Over time the relationship changed
and improved. The missionaries reduced
their proselytization attempts and began
promoting education in the Armenian com-
munities. They also played a significant part
in the area of social ministry by providing
humanitarian assistance to Armenians, parti-
cularly during and after the genocide. Over
the past few decades, the ecumenical move-
ment has helped to build mutual under-
standing and trust, even paving the way
for bilateral collaboration and theological
dialogue with the mainstream Protestant
churches.
Because of the growing ecumenical open-
ness and commitment of the Anglican,
Old Catholic, and main stream Protestant
churches to discuss issues and challenges of
a pan-Christian nature, the Armenian Church
should continue its dialogue and collaboration
with them.

Participation in ecumenical councils
and bilateral theological dialogues
Through common prayer, reflection, and
action, the ecumenical movement endeavors
to develop closer relations and a better