Government Representatives, Including the Prime Minister, Target the Armenian Apostolic Church: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On May 23, a gathering of Armenian bishops and diocesans was held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The agenda included discussions on the challenges facing the homeland, pressing societal issues, and topics related to the mission of the Church.

The meeting also addressed accusations raised by Armenian authorities against the Armenian Church in recent days, leading to the assembly's official statement.

STATEMENT

In light of public unrest against the one-sided territorial concessions under the guise of demarcation in Tavush, various representatives of the government, including the prime minister, have once again begun to target the Armenian Apostolic Church, launching a series of false statements and unfounded theories related to the Church's historical mission and current activities.

It is particularly surprising that unfounded accusations regarding the Church’s non-payment of taxes are being made, while official statistics clearly document compliance with tax obligations as prescribed by the laws of the Republic of Armenia. It is especially condemnable that the head of the government, with baseless allegations and obvious intent, defames the Armenian Church, accusing it of being an “agent of influence” both now and in the past.

We express our sorrow that the current authorities are addressing existing issues in church-state relations in an undignified manner, using threats, pressure, and misinformation as tools.

It is essential that representatives of the government of Armenia reflect on their responsibilities towards the nation and homeland, recognizing the Church’s historical role in the preservation of the homeland and nation, which is also enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, and reassess their adopted policies.

We pray that God grants peace to our homeland, prosperity and security to our people.