Statement of the Supreme Spiritual Council

The Supreme Spiritual Council, addressing the existential challenges faced by the homeland and the situation created in Armenia and Artsakh as a result, notes that the current state of affairs in the country is extremely concerning. This is stated in the announcement of the Supreme Spiritual Council, which we present below:

“The rhetoric used by the Azerbaijani authorities, as well as the initiatives taken, clearly indicate that they have officially adopted a strategy not only to seize the Republic of Artsakh but also to occupy the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia, aiming to eliminate the traces and heritage of the ethnic Armenian identity and ultimately dismantle the Armenian statehood. Azerbaijan not only continues the blockade of Artsakh but also persists in its genocidal policy, continuously manifesting new forms of enmity and violence.

The entire state and public propaganda machinery of Azerbaijan is engaged in disseminating false and fabricated information against Armenian statehood and the entire Armenian populace through unscientific theses on broad public platforms. In light of the complex and dangerous developments, the disproportionate reactions and behavior of the Armenian authorities are even more alarming. The position of the Armenian authorities regarding the recognition of Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan is particularly reprehensible, as it lacks any moral, legal, or security justification and absolutely does not correspond to our people's collective expectations and national interests. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia are inviolable, and the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination, realized through a referendum, is indisputable.

The Supreme Spiritual Council highly appreciates the efforts made by international organizations toward the resolution of the Artsakh issue. However, in the context of the immediate threats faced by the Armenian population of Artsakh, the actions and initiatives carried out by international organizations unfortunately continue to be inadequate.

To overcome the existential challenges faced by the homeland, the government of the Republic of Armenia must undertake measures that will mobilize all the potential and capabilities of national, political, and public structures in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora. The homeland belongs to all of us, and the Armenian statehood is a sacred possession of every Armenian.

In anticipation of the Republic of Artsakh's celebration on September 2, the Supreme Spiritual Council extends its support to the brave people of Artsakh in their heroic struggle for a free, independent, and dignified life in their homeland.

The call of the Supreme Spiritual Council to our people is to assess the current situation in the country with complete sobriety, shake off the lethargy of indifference, take responsibility for the homeland, and become participants and supporters of programs and activities aimed at protecting the independence of Artsakh everywhere.

We have strong confidence that with full accountability before God and future generations and with the valor and resilience of our ancestors, we shall be able to overcome the severe challenges that lie ahead of us. May God bless our homeland and its people. Amen.”