The leader of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the diocesan council issued a statement about the events taking place in Armenia.
These two fundamental institutions, together with the Armenian diaspora, are necessary for the survival of our nation. We will call for restraint and national unity. The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and its democratic processes must be respected, as well as the complete autonomy, rules and regulations of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church - which have been the unshakable pillars of our church for centuries. At this crucial moment in the history of the Armenian people - amid geopolitical uncertainty and in front of the eyes of the whole world - it is necessary for all our national institutions to remain strong and be able to fulfill their vital roles.
Our state must lead our young democracy by maintaining the complex balance of security, welfare and social solidarity. Our church must continue its historic and vital mission to preserve our identity, heritage and faith. Any kind of action that can weaken the ability of the state or the church to fulfill their mission—including the recent arrests of bishops and clergymen, and the threats directed at the Catholicos of All Armenians—also tends to weaken our nation, domestically and internationally. it is urgent that our main national institutions be built and strengthened, not destroyed, so that each of them can play their due role in the progress of our country. We should be happy that our nation has its free statehood and democratic system. Likewise, the historical role of the church should be respected. the church, which has been the spiritual leader of the Armenian people for centuries, even during persecutions, exiles and genocide.
In times like these, our hope and strength is in Christ and the unity of the church. We turn our face to prayer, trusting that the Lord will give peace, healing and wisdom to all his children. As the psalmist exclaims: "Call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you will glorify me" (Psalm 50:15). Let us invite our clergy and the believing people to remain with conviction, faith and spiritual peace, keeping the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Catholicos of All Armenians in their daily prayers, asking God for guidance, compassion and hope for us. for the church and our nation. May the Lord protect and protect His Holy Church, strengthen the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Republic of Armenia, and fill our entire Armenian family with peace, unity and love.
