The Ministry of Internal Affairs Urges Against Provocations During the Gathering at the Mother See

The Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced that the police will carry out their duties in accordance with the law, ensuring public order and the safety of citizens. This statement was made in response to the announcements made by bishops inviting citizens to the Mother See.

On December 17, ten bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church issued a statement urging the public to gather at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on December 18 at 17:00. Following this announcement, the Ararat Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church issued another statement, informing that a unified prayer service scheduled for December 18 at 19:00 at the Church of St. John in Byurakan would be moved to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin at the same time.

After the Ararat Diocese's announcement, some citizens and social media users made provocative and incendiary posts. We urge everyone to refrain from illegal, provocative actions, to respect the rights of others, to avoid provocations, and to comply with the lawful demands of police officers maintaining public order. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will carry out its legally assigned duties by maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

Any illegal manifestations will be subject to appropriate criminal legal assessment,” the statement reads.

It is noteworthy that a group of bishops who met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan issued a new statement on December 17: “Dear spiritual brothers and faithful people of Armenia, come and join us on December 18 at 17:00 at the spiritual center of the Armenian nation, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, for the just demand to call for the rest of His Holiness Karekin II, which has become an urgent necessity. May the Almighty God bless our nationwide mission and bring to reality the dreams and desires of spiritual servants and believers for years.”