The Coming Month Will Be Decisive for Our Country and Our People: Catholicos of All Armenians

On May 26, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the annual assembly of clergy took place, attended by bishops, diocesan leaders, and around 184 clergymen serving in the dioceses of Armenia and Artsakh.

Prior to the gathering, the clergy, led by the Catholicos, attended the Divine Liturgy at St. Gayane Monastery. Following this, the assembly commenced its proceedings at the "Hrach and Syuzan Tufayan" house of Armenian youth in Etchmiadzin.

The event was opened with a welcoming address by the head of the organizing committee and the Diocesan Leader of Shirak, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, after which the Catholicos delivered a comprehensive speech on the "Analysis of the Current Situation in the Republic: Challenges" and "The Role of the Church in the Present Situation."

Discussions ensued around the presented materials, where clergymen offered their observations and suggestions regarding the serious situation in the country, the mission of the clergy in overcoming this crisis, as well as the special spiritual care to be provided to the families of prisoners of war, fallen soldiers, the missing, the injured, and internally displaced persons, alongside the social and pastoral work carried out by the Church amidst present challenges.

The assembly concluded with a message from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, stating: "By God’s will, it was possible to organize the annual meeting of the priests serving in the dioceses of Armenia and Artsakh, even though the pandemic affecting humanity is not yet overcome. The necessity of such gatherings is particularly urgent in the current conditions, when our people and homeland have suffered tragic losses as a result of the 44-day war unleashed by Azerbaijan, presenting serious new challenges before our state. The Artsakh war has clarified many truths before us, both in terms of geopolitical realities and the faults and shortcomings in the course of our internal and social life. Over time, we are confident that a comprehensive assessment will be given to all phenomena," noted His Holiness, emphasizing that this gathering also serves as an opportunity to discuss and determine pastoral, humanitarian, and social priorities, as well as, where necessary, to revise the methods for carrying out the pastoral mission in the current complex circumstances.

In his speech, the Catholicos reflected on the situations created as a result of the pandemic and the subsequent Artsakh war, also addressing external threats. "Today, the situation at our homeland's borders due to Azerbaijan's expansionist ambitions is concerning, raising serious security issues for our people living in the border areas of Gegharkunik and Syunik, causing widespread worries throughout the country. Just yesterday, we mournfully learned that an Armenian soldier was killed as a result of an Azerbaijani provocation. Strongly condemning the encroachments on the sovereignty of Armenia and the rights of our people, the Church must do everything in its power to prevent these encroachments, secure the release of captives, and protect our spiritual sanctities," emphasized the Supreme Patriarch, adding that even after a hundred years, the imperative of self-defense has arisen for our people, as our native land stands before the same kind of challenges, fighting for the right to exist safely on this small piece of ancestral land that embodies our identity and history.

His Holiness further highlighted that the sacred mission of the Church is not only to participate in overcoming the existing challenges but also to be a healer of pain, a comforter of sorrows, and to dispel the despair and sorrow engulfing our people's souls. In this regard, the Patriarch appreciated the diverse support programs implemented by clergymen during the critical days of war and the subsequent months.

Discussing the disastrous consequences brought about by the war, the resulting political upheavals, and the upcoming parliamentary elections, the Catholicos stated that it is the sacred duty of the Church to reveal the true danger of the challenges at hand, to alert about undesirable developments in the homeland, and to promote national unity to overcome unacceptable situations and an atmosphere of hatred and intolerance.

“The coming month will be decisive for our country and our people. We must strive to ensure that our people do not face new divisions and manifestations of brotherly animosity during this pre-election period. We urge the children of our nation to be guided by the supreme interest of the nation and the homeland in their choices, to be just and impartial. The Church has not and does not intend to interfere in politics; the steps being taken are solely conditioned by the dire crisis we are facing, where hesitation in addressing the crisis is fraught with new calamities. Driven by the vision for the future of our homeland, necessary actions must be taken to strengthen our homeland and instill hope in our people. The Church has a vital mission to overcome the existential despair stemming from the war, the losses suffered, and the uncertainty about the future, to strengthen optimism for tomorrow, and to halt emigration from the country. For this purpose, it is crucial and significant for each clergyman’s diligent work, commitment, and personal example," stated the Catholicos.

The Catholicos wished for a homeland-serving, patriotic, skilled government that will be formed soon based on the free expression of the people’s will, capable of leading our homeland out of this difficult situation, ensuring the security of the homeland, pursuing our national rights, and securing a dignified life and development for our people in Armenia and Artsakh. He also noted the importance of the diaspora's role in shaping the bright future of the homeland, highlighting its immense potential.

In conclusion, the Patriarch raised a prayer for the well-being of our entire people, for the peace and security of our homeland, Armenia and Artsakh, reiterating the call for the clergy to be diligent in fulfilling the spiritual care mission for the faithful.