Persecution of AAC and clergy by Armenian authorities has undermined  country`s national and ecclesiastical life

ArmInfo. The persecution of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) and its clergy by the Armenian authorities in recent months has undermined the country's national and ecclesiastical life. This was stated in a statement by the press office of the Mother See of Etchmiadzin on the occasion of the Feast  of the Holy Priests of Ghevondyan.

This situation, as the AAC noted, has led to negative consequences  and tensions in the lives of the Armenian people, which,  unfortunately, has also been fueled by the unacceptable behavior of  some clergy.  "To avoid new schisms, it is imperative that we,  priests, faithful to our vows and calling, steadfastly adhere to the  rules and regulations of our Holy Church, strive to restore unity  with fraternal love, and fulfill the mission entrusted to us with  trust in God and faith," the AAC statement reads.

The Mother See of Etchmiadzin called on the Armenian people during  this difficult time to maintain an unwavering faith in their  ancestors and remain devoted to the Holy Church and the spiritual  center of Armenia-the Mother See of Etchmiadzin. "By supporting each  other, we can bring the Armenian ark to a safe and bright harbor. We  constantly pray that the Lord will preserve peace throughout the  world, our homeland secure and stable, our people calm and united,  and the Armenian Apostolic Church eternally radiant," the statement  continued.

On the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Priests of Ghevondyan, the  Armenian Apostolic Church recalled that on this day, with the  paternal blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II, they gather  in the Mother See of Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of all  Armenians, to reaffirm their sacred vow of service to the Almighty  and the pious people.

"We express our loyalty and love to Holy Etchmiadzin and the  Catholicos of All Armenians. The example of the holy martyrs, the  Ghevondians, serves as an unwavering message of zeal for faith and  spiritual heritage, as well as unwavering service and love for the  homeland, for the Armenian clergy at all times.  Amid the changing  realities of the modern world and internal difficulties, we are  called to defend the national and spiritual identity of our peoples  scattered throughout the world, as well as the values to which they  have dedicated themselves over the centuries. We must preserve the  unwavering spirit of patriotism and love for the Church in the hearts  of our faithful children, inspired by the heroic deeds of the holy  Ghevondians," Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin emphasized, recalling  that the Armenian Apostolic Church is the solid foundation of  national identity and an important pillar of the stability of the  Armenian state, which must be preserved and strengthened.

As a reminder, since May 2025, the Armenian authorities have been  actively pursuing an anti-church policy and are seeking the  resignation of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, who is elected  to this position for life. This campaign has targeted both clergy and  citizens who support the Church. Currently, four high- ranking clergy  are imprisoned on trumped-up charges as part of this anti-church  campaign. Furthermore, the Armenian prime minister and 10 schismatic  bishops signed a framework document on the so-called renewal of the  Armenian Church.

It should be noted that, according to the Constitution, Armenia is a  secular state, where church and state are separate. However, the  "exclusive mission" of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) in  preserving national identity is recognized.