Canonical legitimacy of Episcopal Council not dependent on its meeting location
“On January 21, a statement was issued on behalf of the self-proclaimed Coordination Council of the so-called “Movement for Reform” of the Armenian Church, which once again distorts the facts and seeks to mislead our faithful people.
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin deeply regrets the schismatic course adopted by ten bishops, in agreement with the anti-Church campaign and involving individuals who have been defrocked.
The reality is that the exhortations and invitations sent by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to the bishops involved in the movement initiated by the Prime Minister of Armenia have, to this day, remained unanswered. Their proposals to return to the canonical framework and to address the issues within the Church’s ecclesiastical bodies have also been ignored. At the same time, neither in the past nor today have these bishops proposed any realistic means to regulate relations between the Church and the authorities; on the contrary, under obvious influence, they continue attempting to resolve issues by non-canonical and reprehensible methods.
It is unacceptable to call into question the authority of the Church’s governing bodies, in the work of which many of these bishops have participated for decades, making decisions and bearing responsibility for matters related to the Church’s life and activities. All necessary clarifications on this matter have already been officially provided.
One way to address the troubling situation created by the unconstitutional actions of the authorities is the convocation of the Episcopal Council, whose canonical legitimacy is in no way dependent on the location of its meeting.
The most pressing issues concerning the Church, including the problems raised, must be examined and receive proper resolution in accordance with the Church’s established order, exclusively within the ecclesiastical conciliar bodies. There is no need to form prejudiced attitudes or to attempt, based on unfounded arguments and false accusations, to obstruct the convening of the meeting abroad while various forms of persecution against the Church are evident in Armenia.
The renewal and strengthening of church life is a continuous process, requiring unity in prayer, sustained and collaborative work, and fidelity to the vows taken.
Remaining faithful to its Lord-given mission, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, as in the past and today, together with its ecclesiastical structures worldwide, will devote its efforts to strengthening the independence of the Armenian state and ensuring the peaceful, prosperous, and progressive life of our people.”
