Meeting Held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
09.10.2026
On October 9, a meeting of bishops serving at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, diocesan primates in Armenia, and locum tenentes of diocesan primates was held under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Having discussed the unlawful campaign launched against the Armenian Church by the authorities of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the initiatives undertaken in the National Assembly in connection with this campaign, the participants issued the following statement.
STATEMENT
We express our resolute opposition to the establishment of an investigative commission by the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia to examine the so-called crisis within the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, as part of the anti-Church campaign being conducted under the direction of the Prime Minister of Armenia.
This initiative once again violates the internationally recognized fundamental principles of freedom of religion and Church autonomy, thereby seriously calling into question the rule of law in the country.
The ruling political force is attempting to interfere in the internal life and self-governance of the Armenian Church by resorting to all manner of unlawful measures, repression, and the deliberate creation of obstacles to Church activities.
It is deeply concerning that the National Assembly is also becoming a platform for lawlessness, with its parliamentary rostrum being used to foment anti-Church sentiment, spread hatred against the Church and its clergy, and disseminate unfounded accusations and insults.
The newly established investigative commission has been granted powers and authority not provided for by law, enabling it to determine, in place of the Church's competent canonical bodies, whether various matters concerning the Church's internal life and governance conform to canon law.
We call upon the parliamentary majority to exercise prudence and responsibility and to act strictly within the limits of its constitutional powers.
We demand that every member of our Holy Church entrusted with state authority refrain from any unlawful actions and from abusing their official position.
Attempts to establish political control over the Church’s internal life or to usurp the powers of its canonical bodies cannot be justified under any circumstances.
This process, founded from the outset on falsehoods, slander, and misrepresentations, will inevitably harm national life, deepen divisions, and foster hostility and intolerance within society.
Yet the internal and external challenges confronting our Homeland demand unity, solidarity, and steadfastness from us all.
We urge the faithful of our Holy Church to maintain spiritual vigilance and prayerful composure, expressing their attitude to these unacceptable anti-Church actions solely through dignified and lawful means.
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin will remain firmly committed to defending the rights of the Armenian Church and its faithful flock through all lawful means.
May the Heavenly Lord preserve Armenia in peace and tranquility, keep our faithful people united, and safeguard the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, together with all its institutions throughout the world, steadfast and unshaken. May He grant us all wisdom, faith, and hope to overcome the trials of our time with dignity.
