Interference of Authorities in the Internal Affairs of the Armenian Church Condemned by the Mother See

On December 18, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, a gathering of the local members of the Supreme Spiritual Council took place at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. This was reported by the Mother See.

“The meeting addressed the ongoing pressures against the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the actions of ten bishops, and their divisive repercussions, as well as ways to overcome the existing situation surrounding the Church. The unlawful persecutions of clergy and devout members of the Church through criminal proceedings were also discussed. The Supreme Spiritual Council reaffirmed its demand to the law enforcement and judicial authorities of the Republic of Armenia to ensure justice and legality for the clergy unjustly imprisoned on fabricated charges, national benefactors, and other devoted compatriots,” the statement said.

It was emphasized that the Mother See must pursue the protection of the rights of the Church and clergy by all available legal means and seek the return of the seized religious sites.

The Supreme Spiritual Council condemned the interference of the authorities, particularly the Prime Minister, in the internal life of the Armenian Church and its canonical provisions, noting that this contradicts the Mother Law of the homeland, disrespects the religious sentiments of our people, and infringes upon the rights of the Armenian Church and its century-old traditions.

Particularly scrutinized was the issue of the forced omission of the names of the Catholicos and diocesan leaders during the liturgies performed in the presence of the Prime Minister. It was underscored that this phenomenon had been unanimously condemned during the bishops' assembly on November 26 as being contrary to ecclesiastical canon law, which could lead to schism.

Members of the Supreme Spiritual Council expressed their perplexity that some bishops, who supported the assembly's decision, later participated in distorted ceremonies organized at the initiative of the authorities.

Reflecting on the inappropriate actions of the ten bishops, their self-isolation from the community, and the absence of some members of the Supreme Spiritual Council from assemblies, the Council expressed its concern regarding the divisive position they have adopted, viewing it as a breach of their clerical oath and a blow to the unity of the Church.

The Supreme Spiritual Council also deemed the unfounded allegations voiced by the bishops unacceptable, emphasizing that they should abandon forced, non-canonical agendas and return to the bosom of the Mother Church, guided solely by canonical ecclesiastical procedures.

In light of the compelling need to overcome this concerning and undesirable situation for the Church and its worldwide flock, the Supreme Spiritual Council deemed it urgent to convene a bishops' assembly in the near future, with appropriate assignments provided in this regard.

A proposal was made at the assembly to take the necessary steps for cooperation with international organizations and human rights defenders to halt the misconceptions spread by the state propaganda machine regarding the situation surrounding the Church.

The assembly members expressed their gratitude to the clergy who have demonstrated loyalty to the Armenian Church during these challenging times, overcoming trials with courage, faith, and unity. The Council urged the clergy to strengthen their parishioners with appropriate information within the framework of their pastoral mission and to encourage them to refrain from acts that disrupt the unity of the Church.

In response to the disorders provoked by a gathering organized by bishops outside the Mother Cathedral before the Evening Service, the Supreme Spiritual Council condemned the illegal actions that disrupted the spiritual atmosphere of the monastery. The assembly members expressed appreciation to the faithful people for their vigilance, church devotion, and loyalty, despite the organized disturbances,” the statement concluded.