Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin strongly condemns the authorities’ latest interference in the internal affairs of the Church, carried out with blatant violations of the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, within the framework of which criminal proceedings have been initiated and criminal prosecution has been brought against the clerical members of the Supreme Spiritual Council on charges of obstructing the execution of a judicial act.
 
On January 31, summonses were sent to members of the Supreme Spiritual Council who are clergy, requiring them to appear before the Investigative Committee as defendants. This constitutes yet another clear indication of the campaign launched against the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and of the repressive actions being carried out against the clergy.
 
Within the framework of the criminal prosecution, the departure from the country of members of the Supreme Spiritual Council holding episcopal rank has been blocked. This condemnable process represents a gross violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the laws of the Republic of Armenia and in international treaties, aimed at undermining the normal activities of the Armenian Apostolic Church, particularly the work of the upcoming Episcopal Assembly to be held in Austria.
 
Holy Etchmiadzin calls upon the authorities of the Republic of Armenia and the law enforcement system to act exclusively within the framework of the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, to adhere to the highest principles of justice and truth, and to respect the Church’s right to autonomy.