Etchmiadzin calls for restraint, warns against provocations

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has expressed deep concern over recent public unrest following another statement by ten bishops, and issued a call for caution to the clergymen initiating what it describes as a dangerous gathering.

“There must be a sense of responsibility to shield the people from destructive agitation and act solely through the canonical procedures of the Church. There is no need to manipulate the sacred emotions of the faithful or to sow division among the Church’s devout children through a known false agenda, thereby disturbing the peace and prayerful environment of the Armenian spiritual center.”

The Mother See urges believers to remain calm and not be influenced by provocative statements. “Dear people, let your actions toward the Mother See reflect only prayer, solidarity, and unity. The steadfastness of Holy Etchmiadzin is a testament to your faithfulness to the homeland and the Holy Church. May the Lord help the Armenian nation,” the statement concludes.

Earlier, a group of bishops who had met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan issued a new statement calling on people to join them at the Mother See on December 18 to demand the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II. In response, clergy from the Aragatsotn Diocese announced that their joint prayer, initially planned for St. Hovhannes Church in Byurakan, would be moved to the Mother See. This was followed by calls from citizens, including political and civic figures, to gather at the Mother See from 15:30 in support of the Church and the Catholicos.