Supreme Spiritual Council Issues Statement

We, the members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, gathered under the blessing and high presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, during discussions on agenda items, expressed deep concern regarding the internal political challenges and external security threats facing our homeland.

This was announced by the Supreme Spiritual Council:

“The policies pursued by the government of the Republic of Armenia during the post-war period, especially the unilateral territorial concessions made recently under the name of border demarcation and delimitation, have caused significant new anxieties and worries both at home and in the diaspora, leading to a formation of distrust and resulting in calls for the resignation of Armenia's Prime Minister. The voiced concerns of the people regarding the security challenges in front of the homeland, the calls and appeals by national institutions and the professional community, however, are ignored by the authorities of the Republic of Armenia or met with threats of potential war. Meanwhile, justified dissatisfaction in broad public circles towards the authorities, manifested through peaceful protests and disobedience actions, is attempted to be silenced through actions aimed at degrading the dignity of the protesters and the use of disproportionate force.

We strongly condemn the blatant unlawful actions taken against participants of the peaceful gathering in Yerevan on June 12, which resulted in numerous injuries among both protesters and police, including serious bodily harm.

We urge the authorities of the Republic of Armenia to refrain from violence and from any manifestations of hatred and animosity. We also call on our compatriots expressing their voices of protest to act with utmost vigilance and legality. The current dangerous situation longs for dignified resolutions; the existing crisis calls for political dialogue in calmness and sobriety.

It is also condemnable that high-ranking government officials and their supporters have consistently attributed the responsibility for organizing rallies to the Church by spreading baseless and slanderous news—attempts to justify their anti-church stance, exemplified by the provocation against His Holiness the Catholicos and clergymen at the Sardarapat Memorial on May 28.

Throughout all times, it is the mission and calling of the homeland’s authorities to maintain social harmony and shape national unity, a vital necessity especially in today's conditions. Authority itself should not merely be an aspiration for anyone or any political force but must primarily serve as a means for wise, prudent, selfless service to the people and the homeland, and for creating a peaceful and secure life.

We believe that love for the homeland and responsibility must pave the channels for uniting our national potential and all capabilities towards the defense and empowerment of the Republic of Armenia and to call upon our collective vision for the future. May the Almighty Lord keep and preserve our globally dispersed people in unity and guide our homeland towards bright new horizons in peace and safety.