Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On May 26, the annual assembly of clergy was held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Participating in the gathering were diocesan primates, members of the monastic clergy of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and around 200 priests serving in dioceses and various church institutions.

Before the gathering, the clergy, with the blessing of the Catholicos of All Armenians, participated in the Midday Service at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, after which the assembly began its work in the assembly hall of the Gevorgian Theological Seminary.

The assembly opened with welcoming remarks by the chairman of the organizing committee of the clergy gatherings, His Grace Bishop Mushegh Babayan. A brief overview was then presented to the clergy in attendance, recounting the ten-year history of the annual clergy gatherings, their achievements, initiatives, and the important milestones that contributed to the more fruitful fulfillment of the clergy’s spiritual ministry.

Afterwards, the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his paternal blessing and message to the clergy, noting that the clergy assemblies, which have become a tradition, provide a fitting opportunity to be spiritually strengthened through the counsel of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, to reflect together in a prayerful atmosphere on the fruitful fulfillment of the spiritual mission of the Holy Church, and to discuss the challenges in spiritual ministry, as well as ways of confronting the trials facing the people and the homeland.

Referring to the upheavals taking place in the world, and especially to the military actions in the region, which have had both direct and indirect effects on national and homeland life, His Holiness expressed deep concern about the anti-church campaign carried out by the authorities of the Republic of Armenia, the persecution of clergy on unfounded accusations, and interventions undermining the autonomy of the Church.

“Through the trampling of justice, new unlawful obstacles are being created for pastoral ministry, holy sites continue to remain seized, and in certain churches, defrocked individuals, through their anti-canonical and sacrilegious actions, continue to disturb the spiritual feelings of the faithful and disrupt the proper course of liturgical and sacramental life.

It is futile to justify the unleashed repression by claiming the necessity of the so-called ‘reform’ program of the Armenian Church,” the Supreme Patriarch stated, expressing sorrow that several high-ranking clergymen and diocesan priests have also joined the implementation of this publicly promoted program under false pretexts. He further noted that some clergy members have arbitrarily concluded service contracts with the Ministry of Defense and the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice, thereby violating the rights of the Mother See, which will undoubtedly entail disciplinary consequences.

Speaking about the anti-church policy pursued by the ruling authorities, the Armenian Patriarch deemed it necessary that priests continually provide comprehensive clarifications so that the faithful people do not fall under the influence of false and unfounded accusations:

“It is clear that the authorities seek at any cost to divide and weaken the Church, obstruct the Church’s effective and nation-serving mission, and diminish its role in the life of our people, especially in preserving national identity, historical memory, and sanctified values.”

Speaking about the so-called “reform” agenda included in the ruling party’s electoral program, which envisages the removal of the spiritual head of the Church and other measures, the Catholicos of All Armenians emphasized:

“Such an approach toward spiritual life is unconstitutional and condemnable; it contradicts the canonical principles of our Holy Church and constitutes direct interference in the self-governance of the Church, with all ensuing consequences.

The artificially created ‘reform’ program is a false agenda. Reform of the Church cannot be carried out under pressure and dictates from the authorities, accompanied by open slander and falsehoods. The renewal of the Church is a continuous internal process based exclusively on the Church’s centuries-old canonical order, ratified by the Church’s conciliar bodies. Therefore, we must make every effort to defend the rights of our Holy Church, historically established and guaranteed by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and international declarations, and to prevent the creation of such dangerous precedents in the life of the Church.”

Addressing the spiritual ministers, His Holiness affirmed that the present trials must be overcome with dignity, through respect for ecclesiastical canons and discipline, and with fidelity to the Holy Church and the traditions of the forefathers.

“Today, we all bear the responsibility first and foremost to preserve the body of the Church intact, whole, and united, and not to allow the Church to be divided through external interference.

…Faithfulness to the vow made before the altar of the Mother Cathedral must guide all of us in all our decisions and actions, so that the Church, devoted to its calling, may forever remain an unceasing call to a God-pleasing life, a courageous defender of justice, truth, and a firm guardian of the rights and interests of the followers of Christ.

‘Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong,’ instructs the Apostle (1 Cor. 16:13). With this awareness, continue your pastoral care and concern for the needs of the children of our people, encouraging them to walk in the paths of love for God and to reject ideas and actions harmful to the nation,” His Holiness stated, wishing the priests fruitful ministry for the benefit of the nation and highly commending their courageous spirit, steadfastness, and zeal in preserving the canonical order, the unity of our Holy Church during these difficult days.

In conclusion, the Supreme Patriarch prayed that the Lord preserve the homeland and Armenians throughout the world in peace and security, and grant steadfastness and everlasting radiance to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

During the assembly, a report entitled “Identifying Existing Problems in the Church” was presented by the spiritual pastor of Saghmosavank Monastery of the Aragatsotn Diocese, the Reverend Fr. Paren Arakelyan, while a report entitled “Steps Aimed at Increasing the Effectiveness of Online Preaching” was delivered by the spiritual pastor of the Holy Mother of God Church in Vanadzor of the Gugark Diocese, the Reverend Fr. Tachat Barseghyan.

Discussions followed the presentations, during which the clergy shared their observations and proposals for enhancing further pastoral ministry.

The assembly concluded with the Guardian (“Pahpanich”) prayer.