The Mekhitarist Congregation of Venice has expressed its support for the Armenian Apostolic Church and His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.

“For centuries, under the leadership of its patriarchs, the Armenian Church has guided the Armenian people through the darkest and most tumultuous periods of history, preserving the nation's existence despite hostile enemies,” the statement reads.

“Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin continues to be a sanctuary of faith, a beacon of hope, a pillar of survival, and a symbol of national stability for Armenians around the world.

In our constant prayers, we have turned to the All-Savior Only-Begotten, imploring Him to strengthen and preserve the Patriarchal See of All Armenians, His Holiness the Catholicos, and our nation through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the support of Saint Gregory the Illuminator and all Patriarchs, and the mediation of Abbot Mekhitar.

May Almighty God deliver us from evil and all its agents,” the statement concludes.

On the morning of June 27, around 30 masked individuals stormed the Shirak Diocese headquarters. Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, was at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin at the time, attending a clergy assembly. The National Security Service entered the Mother See's premises to arrest him. Although the Archbishop stated he was willing to cooperate, he later went to the Catholicos' residence following a scuffle. He subsequently appeared before the Investigative Committee and was remanded for two months by court order.

Ajapahyan faces criminal charges for allegedly making public calls to seize power, violate territorial integrity, renounce sovereignty, or overthrow the constitutional order by force.