The Church and the clergy, despite all difficulties, will steadfastly continue their spiritual and nation-preserving mission for the prosperity and well-being of the Armenian people, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II said at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
He made the remarks while receiving representatives of the leadership of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), headed by Armen Rustamyan, who had arrived from various countries.
His Holiness conveyed his paternal blessing and appreciation to those present for their patriotic activities and urged them to continue efforts toward strengthening the homeland, ensuring a dignified and secure life for the nation’s sons and daughters, and overcoming current challenges.
“During the meeting, issues concerning national and church life were discussed, as well as anti-church actions carried out by the authorities, which have disrupted the normal service of clergy and the spiritual life of the faithful,” the statement said.
Members of the delegation expressed their support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Catholicos, underscoring the centuries-old role and mission of the Armenian Church in strengthening Armenian statehood and preserving national identity.
On February 14, it became known that Armenia’s Prosecutor’s Office had initiated criminal proceedings against Catholicos Karekin II on charges of failing to enforce a judicial act in the case of the former Primate of the Masis Diocese and had banned him from leaving the country. For that reason, he delivered his message online to the Episcopal Assembly held in Austria.
