Catholicos condemns state campaign against Church

PanARMENIAN.Net - Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II stated that recent events amount to an “anti-Church campaign unleashed by the authorities,” which, in his view, threatens both national unity and statehood.

Speaking after the liturgy dedicated to the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin, Karekin II recalled past attempts to limit the Church’s mission: “There have been times when different forces tried to subordinate our Church to their interests. That path led to tragic divisions in our national life. Today, we are again experiencing such alarming days. Instead of uniting efforts to address the country’s many problems, actions that divide society continue,” he said, as quoted by “Azatutyun.”

The Catholicos also addressed the recent arrest of businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, calling it unlawful.

“No good can come from hatred and hostility. A country can never be built through repression. Justice and solidarity cannot flourish in a climate of fear and threats,” he said, affirming that “Holy Etchmiadzin will continue to consistently defend national interests and rights.”

Karekin II did not respond to accusations by the authorities concerning violations of clerical vows.

On June 22, during the liturgy, a group of citizens—including opposition MPs—marched from the vicinity of the Zvartnots Temple to the Mother Cathedral in support of the Church and Samvel Karapetyan.

From June 16 to 21, with the blessing of Karekin II, a monastic assembly was held at the Mother See, gathering clergy from Armenia, the Diaspora, and representatives of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, and the Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople, according to the Mother See’s Information Department.

The Catholicos delivered a pastoral message, expressing concern that the Prime Minister of Armenia has targeted both him and the Church. He stated that these “planned attacks aim to discredit the Armenian clergy and the Church, silence its voice, and diminish its esteemed role and reputation in society.”

He urged monastics to demonstrate unity and remain faithful to their mission by strengthening the people's faith and the spirit of solidarity.

Patriarchal delegations from Constantinople, Jerusalem, and the Great House of Cilicia also offered greetings. Clergymen participated in liturgies held during Ararat Week, which concluded with the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on Facebook that "active steps must be taken to liberate the Holy See of Etchmiadzin and organize new Catholicos elections." He said a "Coordinating Group" would be created to manage this process and that he would personally assume responsibility for selecting its first 10 members.