The Armenian Apostolic dioceses of Tehran and Isfahan issued a joint statement strongly condemning Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent remarks, which they say are aimed at undermining the foundations of Armenian identity, particularly the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The dioceses expressed their full support for Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.
“Since 2018, the current authorities of the Republic of Armenia have shown an explicitly hostile attitude toward all pillars forming the core of Armenian identity, including the Armenian Apostolic Church, which for centuries has been the protector and spiritual haven of the Armenian people in the tumult of history.
The actions and statements of Nikol Pashinyan and his government against the Armenian Church and its clergy have crossed all moral boundaries. These are nothing less than a treacherous attempt to strike at the deep-rooted spiritual consciousness of the Armenian people, carrying devastating and irreversible consequences.
By resolutely condemning these disgraceful statements, we express our full solidarity with the Armenian Apostolic Church, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and all servants of the Church,” the statement said.
It was signed by the Diocesan Councils of the Armenian communities of Tehran and Isfahan.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had earlier stated on Facebook that "decisive steps must be taken to liberate the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and to organize new Catholicos elections." He added that a Coordinating Group should be established to manage the organizational matters related to this agenda and said he would personally take responsibility for selecting its first ten members.
