CCAF issued a strong statement condemning Nikol Pashinyan’s campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Church.
It “expresses regret and condemns in the strongest terms” the persecution of the Church in Armenia.
According to CCAF, the situation has reached a new level, particularly due to the lawsuit filed against His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, who, it emphasizes, is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the clergy.
CCAF believes that the campaign against the leader of the Church and his clerical hierarchy is an unacceptable blow to one of the key pillars of Armenian national identity. The organization warned of the danger of deepening internal divisions at a time when Armenia faces serious external challenges, noting that such actions could weaken both the homeland and the diaspora.
The Franco-Armenian organization stated that such steps benefit only the enemies of the Armenian people and characterized the events as politically motivated and detrimental to national unity.
The Central Committee of the Armenian Apostolic Church called on Nikol Pashinyan and his government to change course and immediately cease these “abuses,” noting that the current events are reminiscent of the darkest chapters of history. The organization also demanded a review of the decisions made regarding the Catholicos of All Armenians, the six bishops who are members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, and its secretary.
In conclusion, the Central Committee of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed its respect, solidarity, and full support for Karekin II and the Armenian Apostolic Church, emphasizing the diaspora’s concern over the ongoing tensions between the state authorities and the Church.