Ten Armenian bishops who had previously met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and called for a gathering to demand the resignation of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, appeared briefly at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, issued a statement, and quickly left, according to News.am .

Initially, the bishops remained inside the Saint Gayane Church for a long time before emerging around 17:50. Accompanied by National Security Service special forces, they proceeded to the Mother See, where they were met by thousands of the Catholicos’s supporters chanting “Judas.”

Among those present were citizens who had responded to the bishops’ call, yet found themselves left alone, waiting for hours.

After reading their statement, the bishops departed once again аccompanied by NSS officers.

Meanwhile, inside the Mother Cathedral, the liturgical service continued with the participation of Catholicos Karekin II.

In his address, the Catholicos stated: “Dear devout people, with patriarchal love and blessings, we welcome you all to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Today, you have gathered at the spiritual center of Armenians, expressing your love for our Holy Apostolic Church. Holy Etchmiadzin is your home, the spiritual cradle of every Armenian.

As the historian Arakel of Tabriz wrote, the Armenian nation, across the diaspora, is bound to the Hand of the Illuminator and to Holy Etchmiadzin. The Mother See is a symbol of our eternal strength with God. This sacred church, built by God, stands as the unshakable sanctuary of our identity, unity, and heritage. Unfortunately, throughout history, there have been forces seeking to undermine the Church’s mission or exploit Holy Etchmiadzin for narrow interests. These harmful actions have caused divisions within our national life and fragmented our people.

Our country faces severe security challenges and urgent national issues. Instead of promoting reconciliation, tolerance, and unity, and restoring Church-State relations, we witness ongoing attacks on our Holy Church. Today, another attempt was made against Etchmiadzin, even with the participation of some clergy. Yet, our faithful remain steadfast and fearless. This noise within the Church will never disrupt our mission or our plans, which are directed at the glory of our Church and the betterment of our country.

We express our patriarchal gratitude to you, beloved ones, and to all Armenians and national organizations that, for years and especially during this anti-Church campaign, have supported the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the sacred national mission of our Church.”

Earlier, a group of bishops who had met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called for a gathering at the Mother See on December 18 to demand the Catholicos's resignation. Originally scheduled for Saint John Church in Byurakan, the joint prayer was moved to Etchmiadzin. The call was followed by appeals from citizens, including political and public figures, to gather at the Mother See from 15:30 in support of the Church and the Catholicos.