Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia has once again strongly condemned the ongoing arrests of Armenian clergy, according to a statement by the Cilician Catholicosate.
The Church leader previously voiced similar concerns publicly several months ago and had appealed through intermediaries to halt these actions.
While on a pastoral visit abroad, Aram I was informed about new detentions and reiterated his sharp criticism of the situation, describing it as unacceptable.
He instructed Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, currently in Armenia on a cultural mission, to deliver his concern and condemnation to government and political leaders, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
The Catholicos emphasized the urgency of restoring a constructive relationship between Church and State, stating that the current tension and unhealthy climate must be overcome promptly.
He believes that “the state and the church, as vital pillars of national identity, must maintain strong relations based on mutual respect and cooperation,” and that Armenia’s national and state interests require such a partnership.
Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian met with Prime Minister Pashinyan on October 16 in Yerevan. While the Armenian government’s statement referred only to greetings and blessings, the Antelias Catholicosate stated that Aram I’s concerns over clergy arrests were explicitly conveyed to the Prime Minister.
