March 18 Declared a Day of National Prayer

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has issued a pastoral appeal regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The appeal states:

“Dear devout people, we are following with concern and prayers the developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. During these difficult times, when humanity is shaken by the threat of the pandemic, which also affects the land of Armenia, and our lives are unsettled, we lovingly urge our spiritual fathers and faithful to exercise maximum caution and avoid public contacts and gatherings.

We call upon everyone to act with a heightened personal and communal awareness and responsibility not only for ourselves but also in care for one another, deeply understanding that at this moment, the safety of each person's life is also our personal responsibility. With reliance on God, we pray for the healing of those infected and isolated as well as for spiritual strength.

We express our deep gratitude and blessings to our doctors, who selflessly provide their round-the-clock service, putting in maximum efforts during these extraordinary circumstances.

Consulting with the hierarchs of our Church and discussing the current situation with Armenian bishops, we have decided:

1. To set church service hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM until Holy Thursday, allowing individual visits and personal prayers, as well as the administration of Holy Communion and other vital spiritual needs;
2. To conduct Divine Liturgy ceremonies behind closed doors, without the participation of the faithful, while organizing the remote broadcasting of the services where possible;
3. To cancel the blessing of children during the Palm Sunday ceremony and perform the memorial service without the presence of the faithful;
4. On the Feast of the Annunciation, April 7, do not perform the blessing of mothers-to-be;
5. Do not conduct marriage ceremonies;
6. Baptism will only be performed in cases of extreme necessity (in case of the sickness of the person to be baptized);
7. In the case of funerals, only the cemetery services will be performed, urging mourners to refrain from organizing large gatherings for funerals and memorials.

In issuing these directives to our ecclesiastical institutions, we declare the upcoming Wednesday, March 18, a day of national prayer, inviting everyone to join the clergy in their personal prayers at 7:00 PM in their respective locations, asking that with the Lord’s help, the world and our people may be able to overcome this trial in unity and mutual support.

At this difficult moment, dear ones, it is essential to unite and extend every support to the Government of Armenia and relevant authorities, strictly following all recommended directives and requirements set by the authorities. Together, with public solidarity, civic, and spiritual high responsibility and awareness, and with the grace and mercy of our Lord, we will overcome this hardship too. Life is a divine gift and the most precious thing we should care for each other with love. Now is the time to testify to our love and unity.

May the Lord's blessings, grace, and mercy be with us all. Amen.”