Statement Regarding the Judicial Proceedings Against His Holiness Karekin II and the bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland is following with deep concern the judicial proceedings initiated against His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, together with several senior bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.
The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia recognises the unique mission of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and guarantees freedom of religion and the Church’s internal self-governance. Respect for these constitutional principles, together with the rule of law, is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship between Church and State.
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The Diocese is concerned that the current judicial proceedings, together with a series of public statements, legal actions, and other measures affecting the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church in recent years, have created a widespread perception of sustained pressure upon the Church. Such developments risk undermining public confidence, deepening divisions within society, and weakening one of the nation’s oldest and most trusted institutions.
For more than seventeen centuries, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church has been the spiritual home of the Armenian people and the principal guardian of our Christian faith, national identity, culture, language, and unity. Throughout centuries of persecution, foreign domination, genocide, and national hardship, the Church has remained a source of hope, resilience, and continuity for our people.
These developments also have significant consequences for the life and ministry of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church throughout the Diaspora. They hinder the normal pastoral ministry of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, create uncertainty among the faithful, and limit the Church’s ability to fulfil its spiritual mission to Armenian communities throughout the world.
At this critical time, preserving national unity, safeguarding democratic institutions, and respecting religious freedom and the constitutionally recognised autonomy of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church are of paramount importance.
We respectfully call for wisdom, restraint, and mutual respect, and for all legal proceedings to uphold the principles of judicial independence, due process, religious freedom, and the canonical integrity of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.
We further urge every effort to preserve national unity and to enable the Church to continue its sacred mission freely and without hindrance.
The Diocese assures His Holiness Karekin II, the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and all the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church of its prayers, solidarity, and unwavering support.
As the Holy Apostle Paul reminds us:
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2–3)
May the Lord, through the intercession of St Gregory the Illuminator, bless and protect the Republic of Armenia, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and Armenians throughout the world.
Diocese of The Armenian Church of the United Kingdom & Ireland
