Catholicos calls for support to Artsakh families

PanARMENIAN.Net - Catholicos Karekin II has called on pilgrims from Australia to meet with displaced Artsakh Armenians and offer moral support during their visit to Armenia.

On June 8, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received a group of pilgrims from the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand. The pilgrims were accompanied by Rev. Fr. Khacher Harutyunyan, spiritual pastor of the Holy Mother of God Church in Melbourne.

Fr. Khacher informed His Holiness that before arriving in Armenia, the pilgrims visited Western Armenia, and upon arriving in the homeland, they came to the Mother See to receive the blessing of the Catholicos. His Holiness conveyed his blessing and expressed satisfaction with the national and spiritual activity of the Armenian community in Australia.

The Catholicos encouraged the pilgrims to also meet with displaced people from Artsakh during their stay, learn about their challenges firsthand, and offer them moral support.

He emphasized that such pilgrimages carry particular spiritual significance during these difficult times and serve as meaningful support for the brethren living in the homeland.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Karekin II wished that God continuously protect and guide the pilgrims under His love and care.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that "the Armenian Apostolic Church should have a newly elected Catholicos," calling on the faithful to unite in “liberating the Catholicosate with love and Christian spirit and to elect a truly sacred spiritual leader.” He posted this on his Facebook page.

"Karekin II has violated his vow of celibacy and has a child. This is a fact, and if Karekin II tries to deny it, I will prove it in the appropriate format. Therefore, he could not be a bishop, archbishop, or Catholicos. Ktrich Nersisyan must vacate the Catholicosate."