Etchmiadzin Issues Terse Condemnation of Crusade Against Church
Armenia-based bishops and Diocese leaders gather at Etchmiadzin on Nov. 25
The Holy See of Etchmiadzin condemned recent unilateral measures by certain clerics, characterizing them as “anti-canonical.”
The issue of what can be deemed as rogue clergy was the topic of discussion on Tuesday during an assembly of Armenia-based bishops and primates at Etchmiadzin presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.
“The issue of the deliberate omission of the names of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the diocesan primate during the Divine Liturgy by individual clergymen in the recent period” was discussed at the meeting, the Holy See confirmed.
“The episcopal assembly found this phenomenon condemnable, noting that from an ecclesiastical point of view it is anti-canonical and may lead to schism,” Etchmiadzin press office said in a statement.
“It was emphasized that such actions are subject to the strictest punishment if the clergyman does not repent and correct his anti-canonical course in accordance with the established procedure,” the statement added.
Tensions seemed to escalate internally at Etchmiadzin, after several priests intentionally omitted the name of Catholicos Karekin II during recent liturgies, an act the Church has labeled a serious canonical violation.
The assembly “noted the importance of the clergy not engaging in divisive actions and provocations, but maintaining the spirit of unity for the sake of the unshakability and further strengthening of our Holy Apostolic Church,” the Etchmiadzin press office reported.
