An inter-church conference dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea has opened at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Held from September 4–7, the gathering brings together representatives of the Armenian Church’s major sees—Cilicia, Constantinople, and Jerusalem—as well as various denominations and interchurch organizations.
In his opening remarks, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II emphasized that the First Council of Nicaea was crucial not only for preserving the Orthodox faith of Christ’s Holy Church but also for advancing its divine mission.
He lamented the ongoing destruction of Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in occupied Artsakh and raised concern over Armenian captives still held in Baku.
“Seventeen centuries after Nicaea, you have come together in a land that has suffered immense persecution, hardship, and trials for Christ’s sake. Our people continue to endure. The wounds inflicted during the 2020 war imposed by Azerbaijan have not yet healed. Thousands were killed or maimed, tens of thousands of families were orphaned, simply for wishing to live safely and freely pray in their ancestral land. In 2023, the entire population of Artsakh—120,000 Armenians—was forcibly displaced,” he said.
He added that Azerbaijani authorities still illegally detain Artsakh’s political and military figures. “Our ancient heritage is being destroyed or damaged, and historic sanctuaries are being misrepresented and appropriated under false claims of non-Armenian origin,” he stated.
Karekin II stressed the urgent need for unity among churches worldwide. He expressed confidence that through prayer, dialogue, fruitful relations, and collective effort, it is possible to foster peace and prevent further atrocities.
Throughout the four-day event, representatives from Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and other churches, along with interchurch bodies, will deliver speeches and hold discussions. Participants will also visit sacred sites and museums, join ecumenical prayers, and explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Armenian people.
