Catholicos Says Authorities Seek To Divide, Weaken Church

By PanARMENIAN

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II said during the annual clergy assembly at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin that the authorities are seeking to “divide and weaken the Church at any cost.”

“It is clear that the authorities are pursuing the goal of dividing and weakening the Church at any cost, obstructing the Church’s nationally beneficial and effective activities, and reducing its role in the life of our people, especially in preserving national identity, historical memory, and sanctified values,” he said.

Referring to global upheavals and especially military conflicts in the region, which he said have directly and indirectly affected national life, the Catholicos expressed deep concern over what he described as an “anti-church campaign” by Armenian authorities, persecution of clergy based on unfounded accusations, and interference undermining the Church’s autonomy.

“With violations of justice, new illegal restrictions are also being imposed on pastoral ministry, shrines remain seized, and in certain churches defrocked individuals continue through their anti-canonical and sacrilegious actions to disturb the spiritual feelings of believers and distort liturgical life. A vain attempt has been unleashed to justify repression through the alleged need to implement a so-called reform program of the Armenian Church,” the Catholicos said.

He expressed regret that several senior clerics and diocesan priests had also been drawn into the implementation of the publicly presented program through what he called false justifications.

He said some clergy members had arbitrarily signed service agreements with the Defense Ministry and the Penitentiary Service of the Justice Ministry, violating the rights of the Mother See, which, he added, would undoubtedly have disciplinary consequences.

Speaking about the ruling party’s electoral program, which includes proposals concerning the removal of the Church’s spiritual leader and other actions under a so-called “reform” agenda, the Catholicos said: “Such an approach toward spiritual life is unconstitutional and condemnable, contradicts the canonical principles of our Holy Church and constitutes direct interference in the Church’s self-governance, with all ensuing consequences. The artificially created ‘reform’ program is a false agenda. Reform of the Church cannot be carried out under pressure and dictates from authorities, accompanied by open slander and falsehoods. Renewal within the Church is a permanent internal process based exclusively on centuries-old ecclesiastical regulations ratified by church councils. Therefore, we must make every effort to defend the historically established rights of our Holy Church, guaranteed also by Armenian legislation and international declarations, and prevent the creation of such dangerous precedents in church life.”

Addressing the clergy, His Holiness said current trials must be overcome with dignity, strict respect for church canons and discipline.

“Today we are all obliged first and foremost to preserve the body of the Church intact, whole and united, and not allow external interference to divide the Church.

“…Faithfulness to the vow made before the altar of the Mother Cathedral must guide all our decisions and actions, so that the Church, unwavering in its mission, may forever remain an unceasing call to godly life, a courageous advocate of justice and truth, and an unyielding defender of the interests and rights of Christ’s followers.

“…Continue to provide pastoral care and address the needs of our people, encourage them to walk the path of love for God and reject ideas and actions harmful to the nation,” His Holiness said.

Discussions followed the speeches, with clergy presenting observations and proposals regarding the more effective organization of pastoral service.

On February 14, it became known that Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office had launched criminal proceedings against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II over allegations of failing to comply with a judicial act in the case of the former head of the Masis Diocese, and had barred him from leaving Armenia.