Bishops of Armenian Apostolic Church in Syria, Germany, and Iraq  express support for Catholicos Karekin II

ArmInfo. The trial of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and six bishops not only causes pain and concern among followers of the Armenian Apostolic  Church (AAC) but also raises serious questions for all those who  value religious freedom, the rule of law, and the fundamental  principles of a democratic state, as noted in a statement issued by  Bishop Armash Nalbandian (Damascus, Syria), Bishop Serovbe Isakhanian  (Cologne, Germany), and Bishop Oshakan Gyulgyulian (Baghdad, Iraq).

The source notes that the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church has been and  continues to be one of the most important spiritual and national  strongholds of the Armenian people for centuries. The Mother See of  Holy Etchmiadzin has carried out and continues to carry out its  mission with a profound sense of service to the people and the state.

"That is why any legal proceedings against the Church's supreme  spiritual authority must be carried out with the utmost caution, have  an exceptional basis, and fully comply with both the Constitution of  the Republic of Armenia and international law.  Meanwhile, the  current situation raises serious questions regarding the fundamental  principles guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia  regarding freedom of conscience and religion, the principle of  separation of state and church, the internal autonomy of the Armenian  Apostolic Church, and the powers of its primate. This situation  disrupts the normal functioning of our Church," the bishops'  statement reads.

They emphasized that in recent years, tensions, mutual mistrust, and  numerous other problems have developed in relations between the state  and the Church in Armenia. However, such challenging and sensitive  issues cannot be resolved fairly and sustainably through legal  pressure, criminal prosecution, heated confrontation, or interference  in the internal life of the Church.

The bishops believe that such processes threaten the internal  solidarity of society, deepen divisions, and could damage the  democratic authority of the state, as well as Armenia's international  image as a country that respects human rights and religious freedom.  "We are confident that all disagreements between the government and  the Church must be resolved through adherence to constitutional  principles and the rule of law, mutual respect, and through healthy  and constructive dialogue.

In this regard, we call on the authorities of the Republic of Armenia  to be guided exclusively by the principles of legality, refraining  from steps that could deepen social divisions or threaten the  spiritual and social stability of the country," the statement reads.