Council of Bishops of Catholicosate of All Armenians condemns Armenian authorities` anti-clerical campaign

ArmInfo.The Council of Bishops of the Catholicosate of All Armenians of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church issued a statement following its meeting held  February 17-19 in St. Polten, Austria, which, among other things, condemns the Armenian authorities' anti-clerical campaign.

"We report with deep concern and condemnation that, due to unfounded  criminal prosecution, the departure of the Armenian Patriarch and six  of our brother bishops from Armenia and their participation in this  venerable gathering, which is of great importance for the life of the  Church, was blocked. Because of this artificially created obstacle,  we were forced to listen to the patriarchal message of the Catholicos  of All Armenians via video link," the statement, released by the  Council's press office, reads.

During the three-day sessions, the 25-member Episcopal Assembly  discussed issues such as the Church's mission in the modern era and  contemporary challenges in the homeland and diaspora; the current  state of church-state relations and the situation surrounding the  Church in Armenia; and the protection of the Church's autonomy from  political speculation and ways to overcome the current situation.

It is noted that the meeting confirmed that the Armenian Church, as  an ancient institution of national significance, has always advocated  for and supported the existence of an independent Armenian state. "It  continues to contribute to the strengthening and progress of the  Armenian people to the utmost, with the unwavering conviction that  the Armenian state is the protector and guarantor of the survival of  the Armenian people and the realization of national aspirations. On  this path, the Armenian Church has never served and does not serve  foreign powers or external interests, but has maintained its  uncompromising loyalty exclusively to the Armenian people, their  statehood, and the preservation of their national identity," the  Episcopal Assembly stated.

In this context, the Episcopal Assembly expressed deep concern over  the current undesirable state of Church-State relations and, in this  dangerous situation, calls on the authorities of the Republic of  Armenia to: cease persecution of the Church and respect the  centuries-old sovereignty and autonomy of the Church, basing  Church-State relations on mutual respect, a clear separation of  powers, and the priority of national interests; put an end to the  repression of the clergy and the popularly elected Patriarch of All  Armenians, based on fabricated charges and slander; release our four  imprisoned holy brothers, the priest, and the Armenians who have  spoken out in defense of the Church; act exclusively in accordance  with the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, legislation, and  international law and remain faithful to the proclaimed democratic  principles that guarantee freedom of conscience, religion, and belief  in the country, ensuring social solidarity instead of division, and  resolving existing problems and contradictions in the spirit of  dialogue, without preconditions, refraining from futile ultimatums.

Furthermore, the participants of the Episcopal Council called upon  the eight Apostolic Bishops to: act in accordance with their oath of  allegiance to Holy Etchmiadzin and the Catholicos of All Armenians;  raise and resolve issues concerning internal Church life exclusively  within authorized Church bodies; and refrain from anti-canonical  actions, demoralizing steps, and separatist manifestations that  threaten schism and weaken the Church's mission in the lives of the  Armenian faithful.

It is noted that in this context, ignoring the part of the liturgy  that mentions His Holiness the Patriarch for any reason whatsoever is  ecclesiologically unacceptable and a direct blow to the unity of Holy  Etchmiadzin and the unity of the Armenian Church.

"Considering any reformist movements carried out under external  coercion unacceptable, we deem it necessary to work to overcome the  challenges facing the Armenian Church and improve it exclusively  through the Synod of Bishops and the highest canonical bodies of the  Church. We, the bishops of the Armenian Church, reaffirm our fidelity  to the Mother See of Etchmiadzin and the Catholicos of All Armenians  as the visible symbol and guarantee of the unity, reconciliation, and  solidarity of the Church.

We commit to contributing to the study and overcoming of the  challenges facing the Church by periodically convening the Synod of  Bishops and further strengthening our spiritual ministry in the life  of our people.  The Church must steadfastly continue its sacred  mission, regardless of external pressure, remaining faithful to the  Holy Gospel and the Orthodox teaching of the Armenian Apostolic  Church.

Deeply concerned by the false trial and illegal sentences against the  leadership of Artsakh in Baku, we appeal to the international  community and "We appeal to our sister churches to continue their  efforts to secure the speedy release of the hostages," the statement  said.