Catholicos of All Armenians Кareкin II has expressed deep concern over the challenges Armenia faces due to regional and international developments. He made the statement during the annual clergy assembly at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
“We are deeply concerned that instead of uniting the Armenian nation and overcoming societal divisions, Armenia’s authorities continue their campaign against the Church. Even if these steps are portrayed as actions against individual clergymen, it is clear they are systematic in nature and target the Church itself,” said the Catholicos, as reported by Sputnik Armenia.
According to him, the campaign against the Church poses a threat to the country’s sovereignty and national unity, and undermines the reputation of both Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
He stressed that the Church cannot remain silent “when national identity and homeland defense are endangered, historical truths are distorted, and state and public interests are disregarded.” He also highlighted the Church’s duty to raise its voice about the violated rights of Artsakh residents and Armenian captives held in Baku.
The Catholicos encouraged clergy to remain committed to their spiritual mission, strengthening believers through service and prayer.
“Always uphold the dignity of your calling, avoiding involvement in false or malicious agendas, and do not allow insults or slander against the Church. Do not hesitate to respond to provocative attacks with truth, courage, and love,” he said.
The assembly was attended by 215 clergy members. Bishop Mushegh Babayan was appointed to replace Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan as head of the clergy assembly’s organizational committee.
The final declaration of the assembly stated that the Armenian authorities’ disrespect toward the Church, ongoing threats, and attempts to divide the clergy have offended the dignity of believers worldwide.
“These actions directly violate Armenia’s Constitution, the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations, and numerous international norms,” the statement read.
Clergy members also condemned the arrest of philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, a vocal supporter of the Church, and criticized the disregard for the presumption of innocence regarding Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and his supporters, calling such treatment unacceptable.
They affirmed their determination to defend the rights of the Church and to seek justice for imprisoned clergy and national figures, demanding their release.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan criticized the Church during a government meeting on May 29, calling churches “storage rooms.” On June 2, he said Karekin II must resign if it’s proven he broke his monastic vows or has a child. Nearly daily, Pashinyan has used social media to call for the Catholicos’s resignation.
On July 8, Pashinyan said he was ready to personally lead the “liberation” of the Mother See, claiming the house of Christ was “seized by an anti-Christian, immoral, anti-national, and anti-state group.” He previously asserted that no area within the enlarged Vagharshapat community could be exempt from law enforcement access.
