His Holiness Karekin II Receives Members of the National Assembly
02.08.2026
On August 2, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received members of the “Strong Armenia” and “Armenia” parliamentary factions of the Ninth Convocation of the National Assembly.
On behalf of the newly elected deputies, His Holiness was greeted by the leaders of the two factions, Mr. Narek Karapetyan and Ms. Anna Grigoryan.
In his remarks, Narek Karapetyan, leader of the “Strong Armenia” faction, stated:
“Although the law stipulates that the Catholicos of All Armenians is entitled to address the opening session of the National Assembly, this right was not ensured. For this reason, the ‘Strong Armenia’ faction has come to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to receive the blessing of the Catholicos of All Armenians.”
Anna Grigoryan, leader of the “Armenia” faction, noted that as faithful children of the Armenian Church and, at the same time, deputies of the Republic of Armenia’s highest legislative body, they considered it their spiritual duty to visit His Holiness.
“Regrettably, amid the anti-national campaign pursued by the current authorities, when, for the first time in the history of our state, the Patriarchal message, prayer, and benediction of His Holiness were not heard at the inaugural session of the National Assembly, we were obliged to rectify what had occurred,” she emphasized,” she emphasized.
His Holiness then extended His greetings and blessing to the deputies, noting that, for well-known reasons, He had been unable, in accordance with the established procedure and longstanding tradition, to participate in the inaugural session of the National Assembly to convey the blessing of Holy Etchmiadzin to the deputies and deliver His Patriarchal Message.
His Holiness spoke in particular about the alarming situation prevailing in the country and in national life, as well as the serious challenges facing the nation.
“Today, the external and internal challenges facing our state present new trials, the overcoming of which requires the utmost efforts, the consolidation of state and national institutions, as well as the united efforts of highly qualified individuals from various professional fields.
Also of great concern are the discord prevailing in national life, the divisive and harmful actions, the fragmentation of society, political polarization, the distortion of sacred values and perceptions, as well as the unlawful and unconstitutional actions directed against the Armenian Church, which hinder the fruitful fulfillment of the Church’s mission in the life of our nation.
“Such unacceptable phenomena undermine the foundations of national unity, damage Armenia-Diaspora relations, erode the atmosphere of mutual respect and trust within society, hinder the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law, and diminish the supremacy of justice and truth,” stated His Holiness.
His Holiness further emphasized:
“We are one nation, one homeland, one Church, and this unity is the steadfast foundation for the survival and perpetuation of our people throughout the world, as well as for the fulfillment of their aspirations.
Throughout its centuries-old ministry, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church has always stood by the nation and the homeland. In the context of Armenian statehood, it has likewise supported the authorities in building a strong and prosperous country and in realizing the noble hopes for a happy future."
His Holiness stressed that the Church will continue, with all its capabilities, to support the Armenian state in every good endeavor aimed at ensuring the welfare and progress of our nation, and at strengthening and flourishing the homeland.
On the occasion of the commencement of the work of the Ninth Convocation of the National Assembly, the Catholicos of All Armenians exhorted the newly elected deputies to carry out their legislative mission with dedication and commitment, to remain faithful to their calling and obligations, and to act for the security of the homeland, the strengthening of Armenian independent statehood, and the welfare of the people.
His Holiness also urged them to be guided by a profound awareness of the importance of achieving common national goals and to serve as an example to the people through justice, integrity, and honesty.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness prayed to the Heavenly Lord to preserve the Armenian state in peace, to keep the Armenian people throughout the world united and tranquil, and wished the deputies fruitful service for the prosperity and advancement of our country.
In closing, His Holiness expressed His gratitude to the deputies of both parliamentary factions for the devotion and filial love they have shown toward the Armenian Church, especially during this difficult period, when the campaign and repressions unleashed by the authorities continue, while national benefactor Mr. Samvel Karapetyan remains in detention to this day for expressing his position in defense of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The meeting concluded with the Protective Prayer.
