Mother See Responds to Bishops’ Travel Ban Decision

The Mother See strongly condemns the government's latest intervention in the internal affairs of the Church, which blatantly violates the Constitution and laws of Armenia, by initiating criminal proceedings and prosecution against members of the Supreme Spiritual Council on charges of obstructing the execution of a court order. This was announced by the information system of the Mother See.

"On January 31, summonses were sent to the clergy members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, demanding that they appear as defendants before the Investigative Committee, which is further clear evidence of the campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and the persecution of clergy members. As part of the criminal prosecution, the departure of the bishops who are members of the Supreme Spiritual Council from the country has been blocked. This condemnable process is a gross violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in our state laws and international treaties, aimed at disrupting the normal operation of the Armenian Apostolic Church, particularly the upcoming episcopal synod to be held in Austria.

The Mother See calls upon the authorities of the Republic of Armenia and the law enforcement system to act solely within the framework of the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, adhering to the highest principles of justice and truth, and to respect the Church's right to self-governance," the statement reads.