Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, in a message marking Ararat Week, called on all citizens to participate in the upcoming elections and urged political forces to “keep the people away from possible undesirable developments.”
“On June 7, the sacred feast day of Holy Etchmiadzin, parliamentary elections will be held in our country. As Supreme Patriarch, I urge all of you, without exception, to take part in the elections this coming Sunday with a profound awareness of the interests of the nation and homeland, with a vision of a brighter future and a sense of responsibility toward future generations, so that the rule of law may prevail in our country, human rights and dignity may be respected, and justice, truth, love, solidarity and mutual respect may reign, ‘putting away all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all slander,’ as the Apostle teaches (1 Peter 2:1).
We call on political forces to refrain from hate speech, demonstrate vigilance and prudence, and keep our people away from possible undesirable developments. We also urge representatives of the law enforcement system to ensure all necessary conditions for the conduct of fair elections and for the free expression of the will of our compatriots.”
In his message, he also noted that Holy Etchmiadzin, through its eternal mission, has strengthened the faith of Armenians throughout the world, inspired hope, and served as a guarantee of devotion to Christ and the homeland. In critical moments, it has been prepared to make every sacrifice for the flock entrusted to its care.
Holy Etchmiadzin, he said, has been the source and guarantor of major educational, cultural and spiritual achievements, an unshakable fortress of Armenian national and spiritual identity, and a safeguard of spiritual heritage and historical memory.
“Sadly, this year we celebrate the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin in circumstances where painful losses have disturbed the peace of our people, where blows are being struck at the foundations of our identity, and where sacred spiritual and national symbols are being distorted.
We mark this feast under deeply troubling conditions: our society is divided, hatred, hostility, intolerance and injustice are being sown across our homeland, and through interference by the authorities, the centuries-old regulations of the Church are being distorted, while our Holy Church and faithful believers are subjected to persecution and pressure.
In this difficult situation, the radiant message of Holy Etchmiadzin is a constant call for us to remain firmly attached to our Christian faith, to rediscover the resilience of our national spirit, overcome internal divisions, heal wounds and restore peace and harmony among our people.
We offer prayers to God for the steadfastness and renewal of our homeland and for the well-being of Armenians throughout the world. We pray that, through the boundless mercy of the Lord, the new choice made by our compatriots in the homeland will serve only the common good and contribute to a secure, peaceful and progressive future for our nation,” the message states.
The election campaign, which began on May 8, will continue until June 5. June 6 will be a day of silence, and voting will take place on June 7. On May 25, it became known that the Alliance Progressive Centrist Party had submitted a request to withdraw from the election, after which the Central Electoral Commission invalidated the registration of the party’s electoral list. As a result, there will be no ballot paper numbered 13 in the upcoming elections.
