The Church is Targeted by Representatives of the Government, Karekin II

On April 12, the Catholicos of All Armenians received around 650 church-loving young people from various dioceses who arrived as pilgrims at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin under the guidance of their spiritual leaders. This was reported by the Mother See.

The Catholicos addressed the attendees with a paternal message, stating, "Since the time of the Apostles, our Holy Church has been a luminous beacon in the life of our people, affirming its children in faith and hope, and guiding them towards God, towards goodness, and truth. The Armenian Church is the spiritual home of our people, where every Armenian finds love, care, and support, and is strengthened by heavenly gifts and blessings. Whoever wishes to recognize the soul of the Armenian people must turn their gaze towards the Armenian Church. Our Church has empowered its children’s aspirations for life and creativity and their desire for peace and justice. Our Church has granted the strength to love the nation and homeland and has remained faithful to its mission—preserving and enriching our spiritual and cultural heritage while pursuing the Armenian upbringing of the new generation.

Grounded in Christian values, our Church has become a pillar of unity for the pan-Armenian community, guiding its flock in both peaceful times and in times of trial.

Throughout its mission, our Holy Apostolic Church has often faced various obstacles and difficulties. Today, we find ourselves in an undesirable situation where our Church is being targeted by representatives of the government in our homeland. In the past year, we have witnessed unprecedented pressures, including illegal arrests of bishops, artificial obstacles to the fulfillment of spiritual service, and attempts to seize our ancient monasteries and churches. With the blatant patronage of the authorities, an individual dismissed from the position of the head of the Diocese of Masyatsotn and declared defrocked continues to unlawfully hold the diocese and operates as a diocesan leader based on illegal decisions from the court and enforcement service.

Recently, we also witnessed yet another unconstitutional step when the ruling political party included objectionable provisions related to the Armenian Church in its electoral program. All of this, as you well know, is accompanied by fabricated accusations, inciting intolerance, and overt threats.

History, however, bears witness that by relying on God, our Church has always overcome all trials. Today, the Armenian Church remains a diligent servant of our national uplift, an unwavering advocate for the strengthening of our country, and social harmony, and will continue to defend our national rights, aspirations, and objectives."