Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II has stated that the ruling political force has taken another “anti-constitutional step” by including “unacceptable provisions concerning the Church” in its election program.
He made the remarks during a meeting with young pilgrims at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where around 650 church-loving youth from various dioceses of Armenia had gathered under the guidance of their spiritual pastors.
“The Armenian Church is the spiritual home of our people, where every Armenian finds love, care and support, and is strengthened by divine grace and blessings. Anyone wishing to understand the soul of the Armenian people must look to the Armenian Church. Our Church has empowered its children in their aspirations to live and create, and in their pursuit of peace and justice. It has nurtured love for the nation and homeland, remained faithful to its mission, preserved and enriched our spiritual and cultural heritage, and worked toward the Armenian upbringing of new generations. With Christian values bestowed by the Lord, our Church has become a pillar of unity for Armenians worldwide, guiding its flock in times of peace and trial alike.
Throughout its mission, the Church has often faced various obstacles and challenges. Today, we are again confronted with an undesirable situation, where the Church in our homeland is being targeted by representatives of the authorities.
Over the past year, we have witnessed unprecedented pressure: unlawful arrests of bishops, artificial obstacles to pastoral service, and attempts to seize our ancient monasteries and churches. With the apparent backing of the authorities, an individual dismissed from the position of Primate of the Masis Diocese and defrocked continues to occupy the diocesan residence and, through unlawful court and enforcement decisions, acts in a secular capacity as diocesan leader.
Recently, we witnessed another anti-constitutional step, when the ruling political force included unacceptable provisions concerning the Armenian Church in its election program. All this, as you are aware, is accompanied by fabricated accusations, incitement of intolerance, and open threats.
History, however, shows that with faith in God, our Church has always overcome all trials. Today as well, the Armenian Church remains a devoted servant of our national revival, a steadfast advocate for the strengthening of our country and public solidarity, and will continue to defend our national rights, aspirations, and goals,” the Catholicos said.
He also emphasized the importance of the active involvement of the younger generation in church life.
“You and your peers are the guarantee of our homeland’s strength, the radiance of our Holy Church, and the bright future of our people,” he added.
Following his address, the Catholicos answered questions from the youth regarding church programs, pastoral service, and youth engagement.
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin had earlier strongly condemned the inclusion of “unacceptable provisions concerning the Armenian Apostolic Church” in the Civil Contract party’s election program, stressing that the election of the Catholicos and internal church matters fall exclusively within the spiritual-canonical domain and lie outside the authority of political parties and state institutions. The program, published on April 4, included proposals on church reforms and the removal of the Catholicos.
