Mother See Appeals to the Government of Armenia

We have learned with outrage that the authorities of Azerbaijan have equated the St. Hakob Church in Stepanakert and the nearby khachkars and monuments to soil, labeling them as illegal structures subject to demolition, according to Azerbaijani sources. The reports regarding the possible destruction of the Mother Cathedral of St. Astvatsatsin in Stepanakert are also extremely concerning.

This is stated in a statement issued by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

“The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin strongly condemns the systematic destruction of Artsakh’s spiritual and cultural heritage carried out by the authorities of Azerbaijan. It is evident that the Azerbaijani government continues to target Armenian Christian sanctuaries with the aim of erasing the Armenian presence from Artsakh. This state-level vandalism once again confirms that Azerbaijan's anti-Armenian policies have not changed, casting doubt on declarations regarding establishing a stable and lasting peace with Armenia.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin calls upon the Prime Minister of Armenia and representatives of the government to take urgent and effective measures to prevent the systematic appropriation and destruction of Artsakh's spiritual and cultural heritage. We also urge all states and international organizations interested in the preservation of cultural heritage and in peaceful coexistence and cooperation among nations in the region to take decisive actions to stop cultural crimes in Artsakh.”