The letters from the Batsum/OPENING Initiative addressed to the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Prime Minister of Armenia:
The Imperative of Dialogue to Prevent a “State-Church” Clash
To His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians
Your Holiness,
We address you on behalf of the “Bakum” initiative, considering the deep national and state crisis that has emerged in recent days.
Attached, we present our statement, in which we describe the external and internal threats endangering the continuity of statehood and national identity. The statement emphasizes that the best way to resolve the situation is through immediate, closed, and constructive dialogue between the leaders of state and church institutions, without public escalation. For this purpose, we have also addressed the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.
We clearly understand your position, the position of the Supreme Spiritual Council and the members of the church, as well as those of the opposing side. It is plainly visible that these positions have caused tension within the public. However, we believe that your calling and high spiritual leadership provide the opportunity to rise above the situation and resolve this crisis for the welfare of future generations, as your mission is to ensure the continuity of our people and their faith.
The responsibility for organizing the dialogue and agreeing on its format lies entirely with you and the Prime Minister. In our vision, both sides can form a delegation to organize the dialogue. We see the Matenadaran as a symbolic, neutral place that embodies the resilience, historical and state heritage, and spiritual harmony of the Armenian people.
Your agreement to such a dialogue will be valued by society and history as a responsible and forward-looking decision. Any other choice—rejection, delay, or leaving the proposal unanswered—will, in society’s view, be seen as an abdication of your status as spiritual authority in this complex situation. The full consequences of subsequent events, as stated in our declaration, will fall on you and the Council.
Given the urgency of the situation, we kindly ask for your response to our proposal as soon as possible.
The conscientious public awaits your prompt decision.
OPENING Initiative
The Imperative of Dialogue to Prevent a “State-Church” Clash
To the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan
Mr. Prime Minister,
We address you on behalf of the “Bakum” initiative, in the context of the deepening crisis, when statehood and public security are facing the gravest threats.
Attached, we present our statement, in which we describe the external and internal threats endangering the continuity of statehood and sovereignty. The statement emphasizes that the best way to resolve the situation is through immediate, closed, and constructive dialogue between the leaders of state and church institutions, without public escalation. For this purpose, we have sent an identical letter to the Catholicos of All Armenians.
We understand both your position and that of the other side, and it is evident that our society is turning against itself because of these stances. However, your current position as the leader of the state authority of the Republic of Armenia obliges you to provide an urgent solution to the crisis.
The responsibility for organizing the dialogue and agreeing on its format lies entirely with you and the Catholicos of All Armenians. In our vision, both sides can form a delegation to organize the dialogue. We see the Matenadaran as a symbolic, neutral place that embodies the resilience, historical and state heritage, and spiritual harmony of the Armenian people.
Your agreement to dialogue and a peaceful resolution will mean that you are fulfilling your main mission as the head of state—to ensure the country’s security and stability. On the other hand, refusing, delaying, or leaving the proposal unanswered, especially in this situation, will be seen by the public as an abdication of your role as the head of state authority, which will inevitably have its political and public consequences.
Given the urgency of the situation, we kindly ask for your response to our proposal as soon as possible.
The conscientious public awaits your prompt decision.
OPENING Initiative
The “Batsum” initiative also noted that if such dialogue and resolution do not occur, full responsibility will fall on the leaders and governing bodies of the side or sides that refuse. In the eyes of the conscientious public, refusal will be considered a reason for no longer being perceived as bearers of authority or problem-solvers, but rather as parties deepening conflict and division.