Armenian Spiritual and Cultural Heritage in Artsakh at Risk: Karekin II

On September 28, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received a delegation of Australian state parliamentarians, led by the co-chairs Hugh McDermott and Pim James, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Welcoming the guests to the spiritual center of the Armenian people, His Holiness expressed deep concern over the ongoing forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh and the persecution of Armenians by the Azerbaijani authorities. The Catholicos also emphasized that the spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh is under serious threat, recalling the complete destruction of around 6,000 khachkars at the ancient Armenian cemetery in Nakhichevan by Azerbaijani authorities, witnessed by the entire world.

His Holiness lamented the inadequate response from the international community, which has allowed Azerbaijan to carry out its criminal and genocidal policies in Artsakh, bypassing all international humanitarian norms.

During the meeting, the Catholicos reflected on his pastoral visits to Australia and noted with satisfaction that he had witnessed the caring attitude of the Australian people and authorities towards the Armenian community. In this regard, His Holiness expressed his gratitude to the Australian authorities on behalf of the faithful Armenian people.

In turn, co-chair Hugh McDermott thanked the Armenian Pontiff for providing information about the situation surrounding Armenia and Artsakh and emphasized that a comprehensive understanding of the current challenges and impending developments will be beneficial for their future pro-Armenian efforts.