The Primate and Diocesan Council of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America have issued a statement addressing recent events concerning the Armenian Apostolic Church, calling for respect for its canons and sacred protocols.
Expressing deep concern over developments in Armenia, the Diocese noted rising tensions between the state and the Church, according to Panorama.am .
“These two fundamental institutions, along with the Armenian diaspora, are essential to the survival of our nation. We call for national unity and restraint,” the statement reads.
It emphasized the importance of respecting both Armenia’s Constitution and its democratic processes, as well as the full autonomy, traditions, and centuries-old rituals of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which have served as unshakable pillars throughout its history.
On December 18, ten bishops who had earlier demanded that Catholicos Karekin II step down gathered in Etchmiadzin following a meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. They issued a brief statement and quickly left. Meanwhile, Catholicos Karekin II was presiding over a religious service in the Mother Cathedral.
In response, Karekin II stated: “Another attempt to assault Holy Etchmiadzin occurred today, regrettably also through some of our clergy. But the faithful children of our nation remain steadfast and fearless. This noise raised within the Church can never derail our mission or our programs for the Church’s glory and the building of our nation.”
