Authorities Target the Church Itself: Karekin II

As much as the authorities of Armenia try to present their actions against the church as directed at individual clergymen, it is evident that the real target is the church itself. This statement was made by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during the annual clergy assembly held at the Mother See.

The Catholicos noted that the authorities' campaign against the church is systemic in nature. According to him, this anti-church campaign poses a serious threat to the independent statehood, the unity of the people, and is a blow to the good reputation of the country and the Armenian Church.

“In these challenging times, we clergy are called not only to fulfill our salvific mission but, sadly, to withstand anti-church attacks. However, we remain strong in faith and spirit, according to the words of Scripture. Tribulations bring patience, patience brings experience, experience brings hope. Hope does not disappoint, for the love of God is poured out in our hearts,” said the Catholicos.