On December 18, in the serene grounds of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Supreme Spiritual Council convened under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians. This gathering of Armenian clergy marks a crucial moment for the church as it responds to growing tensions and challenges within the ecclesiastical community.
The council’s discussions shed light on several pressing issues, notably the pressures faced by the Mother See and the contentious paths taken by ten bishops. Their actions, viewed as divisive, have raised significant concerns regarding the unity and stability of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The council outlined the necessity to address unlawful prosecutions of clergy members and faithful individuals, emphasizing the need for legal processes to be equitable and just.
With a resolute voice, the Supreme Spiritual Council reaffirmed its demand for Armenian law enforcement and judicial bodies to ensure justice for clergy and dedicated members of the community who face baseless charges. The council stressed that the Mother See must pursue all available legal avenues to protect the rights of the church and its clergy. Additionally, the council called for the return of properties that have been unlawfully seized from the church.
One of the council’s notable condemnations was directed at the government’s interference, particularly from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in the internal affairs of the Armenian Church. Such interventions were described as contrary to the fundamental laws of the homeland, undermining the religious sentiments of the people and violating the rights of the Armenian Church, which has a rich history of spiritual tradition.
The council addressed the controversial issue of the Prime Minister’s presence at liturgies, where modifications to the names of His Holiness the Catholicos and diocesan bishops were compelled. This practice was unanimously condemned during the bishops’ assembly on November 26 as inconsistent with ecclesiastical regulations and potentially divisive. The council expressed disappointment that some bishops, who initially supported this condemnation, later participated in state-sponsored ceremonies that distorted liturgical practices.
Furthermore, the Supreme Spiritual Council expressed concern regarding the isolation of certain bishops from the communal gatherings and their reluctance to engage in collective spiritual duties. They viewed this behavior as a violation of their spiritual commitments and a threat to the unity of the church. The council deemed the unfounded accusations voiced by some bishops as unacceptable and called for a return to the canonical procedures that uphold the integrity of the church.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the council deemed it necessary to convene an episcopal assembly in the near future to address these issues comprehensively. They proposed collaborations with international organizations and human rights groups to counter misinformation propagated by state propaganda regarding the church’s challenges.
The council also took a moment to commend those clergy members who have shown steadfast commitment to the Armenian Church during these trying times. They encouraged all spiritual leaders to provide guidance and support to their congregations, urging them to resist divisive actions that threaten the church’s unity.
Before the assembly, disturbances were reported during the evening service outside the Mother Cathedral due to a gathering organized by bishops. The Supreme Spiritual Council denounced these illegal actions that disrupted the spiritual environment and commended the faithful for their vigilance and dedication in the face of such challenges.
In a time of rising tensions, the Supreme Spiritual Council’s call for unity and adherence to ecclesiastical principles emphasizes the need for a cohesive approach to resolving the church’s internal conflicts, aiming for a future of solidarity and shared faith within the Armenian Apostolic Church.