Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On July 11, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the annual clergy assembly was convened at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Attending the gathering were the Primates of the dioceses of Armenia, members of monastic clergy of the Mother See, and 215 clergy serving across dioceses and various ecclesiastical institutions.
The day began with the clergy participating in the Midday Hour (Sixth Hour) service at the Mother Cathedral. Following the service, the assembly commenced in the auditorium of the Gevorgian Theological Seminary. After the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, participants were welcomed by His Grace Bishop Mushegh Babayan, who, with the blessing of the Catholicos, had been appointed to replace His Eminence Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan as the head of the organizing committee for clergy assemblies.
His Holiness then extended his patriarchal blessing and message to the assembled clergy. He noted that the gathering originally scheduled for June 27 had to be postponed due to unacceptable actions carried out by law enforcement officials at the Mother See, aimed at the arrest of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan.
The Catholicos emphasized that the clergy assembly serves as an occasion to reflect upon the challenges facing both national and ecclesiastical life, and to address the recent troubling developments affecting the Church, including attacks on clergy and the arrests of two archbishops and national benefactor Mr. Samvel Karapetyan.

“In these difficult times,” said the Catholicos, “we, the clergy, are called not only to fulfill our pastoral mission but, regrettably, also to confront anti-Church assaults. Yet we remain firm in faith and spirit, as the Scripture affirms:
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:3-5).
Continuing his address, His Holiness stated:
“Dear spiritual fathers, the present-day developments in our region and the world have placed serious challenges before our nation and people. We are deeply concerned that, instead of uniting the Armenian people and healing divisions within society, the authorities of Armenia continue to pursue a campaign against the Church. Despite efforts to portray these actions as isolated measures against individual clergy, it is evident that they are systemic in nature, and they target the Church itself.”
The Catholicos highlighted the growing number of artificial obstacles and imposed constraints that, in recent years, have hindered the Church’s mission in numerous spheres. He underscored that this anti-Church campaign poses a grave threat to Armenia’s independent statehood, the unity of the Armenian people, and the reputation of both the nation and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Referring also to recent attempts by authorities to undermine the unity of the clergy and pit them against one another, His Holiness declared:
“Within our Holy Church, reason, fraternal spirit, and unity prevail, tempered by the centuries and rooted in our enduring history and experience. With this profound awareness, our clergy have confronted, and continue to confront, trials, each according to his gifts and calling, in service to God, our nation, and our homeland.”
According to His Holiness, the Armenian Church and her servants cannot remain silent or indifferent in the face of threats to national identity, distortion of history, or threats to the security of the homeland. Nor can the Church ignore the rights of our state and people, or the violation of the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh and the injustices endured by our compatriots unlawfully detained in Baku.
He urged the clergy to remain steadfast in their ministry, to strengthen pastoral care and prayerful life among the faithful, and to fortify the people with faith, hope, and love, safeguarding them against division:
“Always uphold conduct worthy of your sacred calling. Do not allow yourselves to engage in false and malicious agendas. Do not tolerate insults or slander directed at the Church. Respond to provocative attacks with truth, courage, and love. Work diligently to ensure that the public understands the real motives behind the anti-Church campaigns.
Let us not allow these unacceptable phenomena, misleading publications, and manipulative narratives to create confusion or misunderstanding that might weaken our nation and our Church. Let us always remember that all Armenians are our spiritual children—guide them with love and counsel them on the path of truth.”
On the occasion of the assembly, His Holiness once again expressed his deep appreciation to the attending clergy for their unwavering sense of duty to God and the homeland, their warm filial devotion to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and their faithful and conscientious service. He offered prayers to the Heavenly Lord for peace in Armenia and throughout the world, for the safety and security of our state, and for unity and solidarity among the Armenian people in Armenia and the diaspora.
Later in the day, Rev. Fr. Movses Sahakyan, Director of the Office of Ecclesiastical Structures of the Mother See, and Mr. Arman Tatoyan, Director of the Tatoyan Foundation – Center for Law and Justice, delivered presentations on Church–state relations, the government’s ongoing campaign of persecution against the Church, the use of hate speech and incitement targeting clergy, and issues concerning human rights.
These presentations gave rise to active discussions, during which clergy members shared their reflections and proposals and issued a joint statement.
The assembly concluded with participation in the Evening Service.