Established in 2013 by the Patriarchal Decree of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
The mission of the Office is to identify and clarify contemporary challenges and key societal questions facing the Armenian Church. Drawing on Holy Scriptures, Church traditions, ecumenical and local council decisions, the Church Fathers, ecclesiastical canons, liturgical practices, pastoral experience, and insights from other churches and communities, the Office works to define the Armenian Church’s stance on these matters.
Based on the Church’s social teaching, the Office provides guidance on Christian bioethics, healthcare, environmental protection, judicial and social matters, economic concerns, science, and education. It also addresses fundamental theology, religious studies, public affairs, political issues, relations with the state, and interreligious and ecumenical relations. The Office also considers other matters relevant to society.
The social teaching of the Church may serve as a guiding framework for making rules, laws, and decisions at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. It may also guide legislative and executive authorities of the Republic of Armenia.
The Office reviews submissions and letters on conceptual issues from the Catholicosate, Chancellery, Monastic Council, various departments, and commissions, then studies the topics raised. It conveys the Church’s approaches and recommendations to the appropriate offices of the Mother See.
Another function of the Office is to develop practical, well-founded recommendations on the mission and activities of the Mother See, dioceses, and other ecclesiastical departments and structures. These recommendations are then presented to the leaders and heads of the respective bodies, ensuring guidance that is both actionable and aligned with the Church’s overall mission.
Director: The Reverend Father Archimandrite Ruben Zargaryan
Email [email protected]
Phone: 010-517-165
010-517-166 (167,168)