Are You Silent? Father Asoghik Addresses Intellectuals

“Our country is facing serious regional developments and unimaginable disasters. Instead of establishing national solidarity and unity based on national identity and value systems, the country’s political leaders and forces are busy throwing stones at each other, intertwining in conflict...” This is stated by Father Asoghik Karapetyan.

Father Asoghik continued, “Moreover, some high and humble representatives of the government grossly sin against the Constitution, the laws, and international norms by barbarically attacking the Armenian Church. The Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians is the embodiment of the Church’s governance and the source of grace; thus, His Person embodies the entirety of the Church. This is a theological mystery requiring appropriate education and knowledge for understanding. Without all of this, silence and immobility are inevitable.

In this catastrophic reality, our intellectuals hold a unique responsibility—high and humble. Where are you? Where is your living wall—wise, reconciliatory, and salvific?

The national state and the National Church are in danger, and are you silent? Are you flattering yet another government, repeating nonsensical thoughts, questions, and words, like composer Robert Amirkhanyan for example? Wake up, speak out, come forward, and make efforts to prevent new disasters. It is also, especially, due to your lack of principles and inaction that Armenia and our nation have faced losses and tragedies for years...

Have the wisdom to take an example from the high intellectual statesman—Armenia's first President—who had the wisdom to heroize the Armenian Church in the person of His Holiness Vazgen I, and today to support and be a companion to the Hero Church’s throne and His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians.

This description and stance are necessary for the nation, the state, and the authorities, as you, intellectuals, are called to shape our historic ARESHLUYS.”