Episcopal Assembly to be Held in Austria: Father Isaak

The Armenian Apostolic Church's Episcopal Assembly being held outside of Armenia does not present any canonical issues. This was stated by Father Isaak Arshakyan, the director of the Mother See’s information system, in an interview with 24News, addressing related remarks.

“There have been precedents in history, the most recent being during the time of Catholicos Vazgen I when the assembly was held in Cairo. The Supreme Spiritual Council can also convene outside of Armenia,” he said.

Father Isaak emphasized that the decision to hold the Episcopal Assembly in Austria was made out of concern that the authorities might somehow hinder its proceedings. “The decision was made in light of the government’s ecclesiastical persecution policies and pressures against clergy,” he noted.

It is recalled that at the invitation of His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, the Episcopal Assembly will take place in St. Pölten, Austria, from February 16-19.