The Church Is Free to Express Its Opinion Like Any Citizen, Supreme Patriarch

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, addressed journalists today following the end-of-year liturgy at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He reflected on the significance of the day, noting that many children of the nation had come to express their support in response to the violent and threatening calls directed at the Armenian Apostolic Church online.

“We appreciate the dedication, loyalty, love, and devotion of our children towards our Apostolic Holy Church,” he emphasized.

In response to views suggesting that the Church is attempting to intervene in political processes, the Supreme Patriarch highlighted, “The Church is guided by the interests of our nation and homeland and expresses its attitude and opinion regarding issues of nationwide significance. This should not be interpreted in any other way. The Church is free to express its opinion like any citizen, especially as a church.”

When asked if the online attacks against the Church are coordinated, Karekin II remarked, “I cannot confirm that, as I do not know who is behind these attacks or the magnitude of them.”

Today, no protests were held at the Mother See, and no incidents were recorded.