No Small Group Should Even Think of Attacking the Church Again: Samvel Karapetyan

Businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan's message: "Dear compatriots,

As you know, there is a working group within the 'Our Way' movement focused on the protection of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and our national values. What primary issues are set before this group?

First, we must do everything possible to regulate the state-church relations in such a way that in the future, no small group can even think of launching a new attack on our most important national institution and hope for success. Given the existing constitutional foundations, I am confident that this is a quickly solvable issue, and discussions with experts will lead to the formulation of the right solutions.

It is also crucial that spiritual life becomes an integral part of our people's daily lives, and the movement has work to do here as well. Many problems in our society threaten to spoil the moral character and health of our future generations and have arisen from a lack of real spiritual nourishment. In fact, a person who is full but devoid of spiritual values and moral principles brings absolutely no benefit to society, the state, or the homeland, and cannot do so.

Finally, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church is an inseparable part of our national identity and our thousands of years of culture. What aspect of this unique value have we been able to show the world and take pride in? Perhaps during the 35 years of independence, that opportunity has not been available due to objective or subjective reasons. However, very soon we must ensure that everyone knows where Armenia is, where the Holy See of Etchmiadzin is, and the rich value heritage that our Christian ancestors have left to the world.

We will do it our way."