Message of the Catholicos of All Armenians on the occasion of the Day of Knowledge, Writing and Schooling


On the occasion of the Day of Knowledge, Writing and Schooling, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, sent a congratulatory message to students, educators and all workers in education, conveying to them his Patriarchal love and blessing. In the message, His Holiness wished strength and courage to those dedicated to the cause of education, enthusiasm and diligence to pupils and students, as well as asking for God's blessing and protection for our homeland and our people throughout the world.

Statement of the Supreme Spiritual Council


On August 26, a meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council, Armenian bishops and diocesan leaders was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin under the chairmanship of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, at the end of which the participants issued a statement. 
The Supreme Spiritual Council expressed deep regret over the unacceptable behavior again demonstrated by the CP faction towards the Armenian Church during the discussion of the Government Program in the National Assembly, condemning the anti-church policy of the authorities, groundless accusations and attempts to interfere in intra-church life, and reaffirming the Church’s loyalty to its spiritual and national mission.

Statement from the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America


The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America has issued a statement, noting that the Diocesan Council and the Primate are following the developments in Armenia with a prayerful heart and spiritual reflection.
The Diocese expressed confidence that truth will prevail, and both the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and the canonical law of the Armenian Church will be upheld and respected.

 

The Armenian Diocese of Brazil Expresses Support for the Catholicos of All Armenians


The General Assembly of the Representative Council of the Armenian Diocese of Brazil of the Armenian Apostolic Church was held recently, under the direction of the Primate of the Diocese, Bishop Narek Berberian, and chaired by Andre Kissajikian.
Expressing concern about the current political and ecclesiastical situation in Armenia, the assembly members reaffirmed their support for the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, emphasizing the need to respect the autonomy and dignity of the Armenian Church.

The support of the Armenian Diocese of Isfahan to His Holiness the Patriarch


The National Primacy has issued a statement, noting that the campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Church and the targeting of the Catholicos of All Armenians is unprecedented and dangerous, since, unfortunately, this attack today comes not from the enemy, but from the current authorities of the Republic of Armenia. Strongly condemning the encroachment on the sovereignty and rights of the Church, the Primacy has expressed confidence that our Church will also pass this test with honor.

Statement of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey in Support of the Catholicos of All Armenians


On August 10, the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople issued a statement expressing its support for His Holiness Karekin II, the Patriarch of All Armenians, and the holy bishops.
The Patriarchate urged all those responsible to keep the Armenian Church invulnerable, not to insult its hierarchal dignity, and not to turn the decisions of official church bodies into secular judicial conflicts.
 

Malankara Orthodox Church Appeals in Support of Catholicos of All Armenians and People of Armenia


The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Armenia and expressed its support for His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, the clergy and the faithful.
The sister Eastern Orthodox Church has urged all concerned parties to exercise restraint, pursue peaceful dialogue, protect religious freedom and respect the canonical independence and integrity of the Armenian Church.

WCC addresses situation surrounding Armenian Apostolic Church


The World Council of Churches (WCC) has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the current situation surrounding the Armenian Apostolic Church and the undue interference in the church’s internal affairs. The leaders of the Council affirmed the vital role of the Armenian Church in the life of the Armenian people and expressed hope that the situation will be resolved for the benefit of the entire Armenian people.
 

International Reuters News Agency's coverage of the trial of the Catholicos of All Armenians


Reuters news agency has covered the trial of the Catholicos of All Armenians and six high-ranking clergymen in Armenia, assessing it as another escalation of the deepening contradictions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
This trial is viewed by church representatives, a number of civil society groups and political forces as a political persecution, the purpose of which is to suppress those who criticize the authorities.

International Alert: Religious Freedom Under Threat in Armenia


The legal organization “Christian Solidarity International” is sounding the alarm about the trial of the Armenian Patriarch and six bishops on politically motivated false charges. 
The organization calls on the entire world to express solidarity with the Armenian Apostolic Church against unconstitutional violations of fundamental human rights.

Catholicos of All Armenians Receives Youth of the Armenian Diocese of Argentina


On August 6, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, received 17-18-year-old graduates of national and secondary schools of the Armenian Diocese of Argentina and their accompanying educators. 
His Holiness urged the youth to demonstrate zeal in their studies, to bring benefit to the homeland and the Mother Church in the future, and to discover the mystery of Holy Etchmiadzin.

International Alert: Illegal State Interference in the Church’s Internal Decisions Forum 18 News Service


On August 7, the first session of the preliminary hearings in the case of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and six bishops will take place in Etchmiadzin.
The international religious freedom watchdog Forum 18 is warning that this criminal prosecution violates the constitutionally guaranteed autonomy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and constitutes state interference in the Church’s internal affairs.