Artsakh refugees appeal to Karekin II to replace the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese

Representatives of Artsakh civil society have addressed a letter to His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, requesting that he consider the issue of replacing the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese.

“Your Holiness,

We, the people of Artsakh, are compelled to turn to You with deep pain, disappointment, and indignation regarding the recent actions and public conduct of the current Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan.

It was extremely alarming and profoundly offensive for us to witness Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, in violation of the canons of our Holy Church, effectively rebelling against the nationally elected and anointed Patriarch of All Armenians. This Patriarch has consistently kept the issues of Artsakh and the Artsakh Armenians at the center of his unwavering attention and has put forward crucial initiatives to protect our rights, including on high-level international platforms.

It is equally unacceptable to us that Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, who is entrusted with safeguarding sacred sites and the faithful people of Artsakh, has acted in direct contradiction to this calling. In particular, he has shown honor and respect toward the individual primarily responsible for the political decision to surrender Artsakh – along with its monasteries, churches, khachkars, cemeteries, and holy sites – to the enemy, thereby effectively joining that party’s blasphemous anti-church campaign.

This action, both in substance and in the manner of its execution, was perceived by the people of Artsakh not only as an act of submission to Nikol Pashinyan, but also as a direct justification of his actions. This understandably provoked righteous indignation among the people of Artsakh and led to a profound loss of trust in this spiritual leader.

It is particularly distressing that, despite numerous appeals from the faithful, Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan has neither repented nor apologized to the Armenians of Artsakh. Instead, he has avoided meetings with his compatriots and flock, failed to respond to phone calls, and demonstrated open disregard for the community entrusted to his pastoral care.

In light of the above, we respectfully ask You to consider and discuss the issue of replacing the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese. The current Primate has entirely lost the trust of the believing people of Artsakh and, given the path he has chosen, no longer possesses the moral authority to continue leading the Armenian Diocese of Artsakh, which has already endured profound betrayal.

We humbly ask Your Holiness to respond to the appeal of Your spiritual children of Artsakh and to hear our voice as an authentic expression of the true feelings of the faithful people of Artsakh.”