ANTELIAS–HIS HOLINESS ARAM I DECORATED JAMES MILLER POSTHUMOUSLY WITH THE ORDER OF MESROB MASHDOTZ. ARAM I CONVEYED HIS INTENT TO INVITE MILLER TO ANTELIAS IN JUNE TO DECORATE HIM FOR HIS COURAGE–COMMITMENT AND VISION. . . INSTEAD–THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE WAS READ AT THE FUNERAL OF JAMES MILLER WHO WAS SHOT BY ISRAELI SOLDIERS LAST WEEK WHILE PREPARING A DOCUMENTARY IN THE PALESTINIAN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES:
"The tragic death of James Miller filled me with profound sorrow. Indeed–his death was a great loss not only for British journalism–but also for international journalism–where–with his significant service and great achievemen’s–he occupied a distinctive place. As the obituary in the London Independent newspaper states–"he leaves a journalistic legacy of immense worth." James Miller was not an ordinary journalist; he was a man of profound faith–firm commitment and clear vision. Whether analyzing life under the Taliban–war crimes in Kosovo or the Armenian Genocide–he used his profession as a cameraman–producer and director to search for truth–justice and reconciliation. One of his latest documentaries–titled "Armenia: the Betrayed," was an eloquent expression of the human and moral values and principles that marked his work. While preparing that documentary last year–James Miller interviewed me in my office. During the interview–he confirmed his strong belief that one cannot ignore the collective memory of a people. He was firmly convinced that confession is the only way towards forgiveness and reconciliation. Mr. Fergal Keane–who worked with Miller on "Armenia: the Betrayed," writes of his work on that documentary in the following words: "He had no personal animus against Turkey or the Turkish people–but he was determined to ask the tough questions and use–when the facts warranted–tough language. Miller believed in unambiguous truth-telling and would never have compromised in the face of official disapproval or attack." The Armenian people will cherish his memory for his commitment in "Armenia: the Betrayed," to searching out and then communicating the truth of the Armenian Genocide. Commitment to the truth requires courage because there are powerful forces who do not wish the truth to be known. Indeed–it was on the way of seeking the truth that he lost his life in the occupied territories of Palestine. One cannot ignore the truth. One cannot–as the Bible affirms–hide the light under the bushel. And all those who sacrifice there lives for truth and justice will never die; they are martyrs. I was planning to invite James Miller to the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias–Lebanon in June–to decorate him for his courage–commitment and vision. What a destiny. I want to fulfill my obligation at his funeral by decorating him with the order of "Mesrob Mashdotz" as a concrete expression of our love and respect towards him. May God bless his soul. May God spiritually strengthen his family–colleagues and friends."