Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

It is with profound indignation that we have learned that the authorities of Azerbaijan have razed to the ground the Church of Saint Hakob (Jacob) in the city of Stepanakert, as well as the khachkars and monuments located in the surrounding area, which the Azerbaijani side baselessly declared to be illegal structures subject to demolition.

Particularly alarming are also the reports being received regarding the destruction of the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Stepanakert.
 
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin strongly condemns the systematic destruction of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh carried out by the Azerbaijani authorities.
 
The authorities of Azerbaijan continue to deliberately target Armenian Christian holy sites, seeking to erase the Armenian presence from Artsakh.
 
This state-sponsored vandalism once again demonstrates that Azerbaijan’s anti-Armenian policy has not changed, thereby casting serious doubt on statements regarding the intention to establish a just and lasting peace with Armenia.
 
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin calls upon the leadership of the Republic of Armenia and state officials to take urgent and effective steps to prevent the systematic appropriation and destruction of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh.
 
We also appeal to all states and international organizations committed to the preservation of cultural heritage, the peaceful coexistence of the peoples of the region, and regional cooperation to take effective measures to prevent further destruction of Artsakh’s cultural heritage.