Holy see of Cilicia backs Etchmiadzin

PanARMENIAN.Net - During a full session of the Religious and Political Councils of the Catholicosate’s Central Executive Board, chaired by Catholicos Aram I at the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias, the body discussed what it termed “the offensive attitude adopted by the Armenian authorities against the Catholicos of All Armenians and high-ranking clergy of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.”

According to a statement, the Catholicosate of Cilicia "expresses its solidarity with the Catholicos of All Armenians and rejects any attack against him."

The session highlighted the following points:

a) Church-state relations in Armenia are based on the constitutional principle of separation, ensuring the Church’s autonomy. State interference contradicts this principle.

b) Ecclesiastical matters are governed solely by church canons; thus, the state has no authority to intervene.

c) The language used in public discourse on church-related matters was deemed inappropriate and condemnable.

d) Given Armenia’s existential threats, the Catholicosate emphasized the need to focus on national challenges rather than actions that incite division.

e) The principle of “one nation, one church” remains the foundation of the Catholicosate’s stance, reinforcing its ongoing support for the Catholicos of All Armenians and condemning any attacks against him.

The Catholicosate also noted that its dioceses continue active and community-focused work despite security tensions in the Middle East.

In his concluding remarks, Catholicos Aram I emphasized the need for new concepts and methods under current conditions, especially regarding the rejuvenation of diocesan structures. He also stressed the urgency of reorganizing the diaspora and called for unity around national and universal values, avoiding polarizing actions.

Separately, the Diocese of Artsakh of the Armenian Apostolic Church expressed its full support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Catholicos Garegin II, who, it noted, continues defending the collective rights of the people of Artsakh.

The statement includes the following lines:

“From the heart of every Armenian,

Hear this voice, O God.

Grant long life to the Patriarch,

Long days to the Father of Armenians.

Lord, always keep steadfast

Your own founded Mother See.”

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated on Facebook that "active steps are needed to liberate the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin's residence and organize new Catholicos elections." He added that a Coordinating Group would be formed to manage this agenda, and he would personally take responsibility for selecting its first 10 members.