Supreme Spiritual Council Issues Statement
On May 19, a meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council was held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
The agenda of the meeting included issues related to the convening of the Church Representative Assembly, the external and internal challenges facing the country, the anti-Church campaign, legal proceedings concerning clergy unlawfully deprived of liberty and other children of the Armenian Church, guidelines for the preparation of Sunday school textbooks, and the cessation—initiated by the authorities—of spiritual service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia and in penitentiary institutions.
Within the framework of the agenda, the Supreme Spiritual Council also considered the interim statement issued on May 13 by the pre-election delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the concerning situation that has developed in the country ahead of the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Armenia, as well as the condemnable phenomena recorded during the pre-election period, in connection with which it issued the following statement:
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The Supreme Spiritual Council expresses deep concern over the use of unacceptable methods of electoral campaigning during the pre-election period ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Republic of Armenia, including repression and the unlawful use of force.
The rhetoric of hostility and hatred, accompanied by inappropriate and indecent language, only deepens societal divisions and further polarizes our society, generating public outrage, disappointment, and renewed tension, while also creating serious threats to Armenian statehood.
We consider unacceptable and condemnable attempts to turn the Church and the clergy into targets of attacks in pursuit of political ambitions, as well as efforts to involve the Armenian Church in political processes artificially.
In this regard, the assessment contained in the interim statement of the PACE pre-election delegation of May 13 regarding the “unprecedented involvement” of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church in politics is a matter of serious concern, which we consider to be based on disinformation and in full contradiction with PACE Resolution No. 2633 (2026) of January 25, 2026.
Instead, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin expects clear assessments from PACE regarding the campaign launched by the authorities in Armenia against the Armenian Church, as well as the ongoing restrictions and obstacles—contrary to the country’s legislation and international law—systematically imposed through the open use of state mechanisms, which directly hinder the Church’s pastoral mission.
Such unlawful actions require a targeted response, including pressure on clergy through coercive measures and threats, the initiation of illegal criminal proceedings against several clergymen, the encouragement of clergy who deviate from Church order, the conclusion of unlawful employment contracts with individual priests, as well as condemnable cases of appointing defrocked individuals to spiritual service under state patronage—actions that directly violate both the rights of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and fundamental human freedoms and rights.
Equally calling for a fair response from relevant international structures and human rights organizations are the unlawful actions of the ruling political force aimed at interfering in the self-governance of the worldwide Armenian Church, and in particular the provisions recorded in the pre-election program of the “Civil Contract” party regarding the “reform” of the Church through the deposition of the nationally elected Patriarch. This step is both uncanonical and illegal.
The Supreme Spiritual Council reiterates that no structure outside the Church and its competent ecclesiastical bodies, even one endowed with state or political authority, may carry out the “reform” of ecclesiastical life.
The mandate of trust granted by the people through elections may be used exclusively to strengthen state sovereignty, ensure the inviolability of the country’s borders, reinforce national identity, and restore public solidarity.
The Armenian state, carrying out its nation-building mission, has at all times been a reliable pillar of our identity and the foundation of our continued existence. The independence of the Armenian state must be safeguarded with devotion, vigilance, wisdom, and care, and must not be exposed to the dangers of adventurism.
May the Heavenly Lord preserve the land of Armenia under His blessing in peace and security, and instruct the entire Armenian people through His light-bearing commandments, guiding them exclusively along God-pleasing paths for the good of the people and the Fatherland.
