His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, is arriving in Armenia today for a couple of hours. Speaking to Cilicia TV at the Beirut airport ahead of the flight, Aram I voiced his concerns about the situation in Armenia.

“All of us are also concerned. Just as Armenia’s strengthening and prosperity are the duty and pride of all of us, the pain and troubles of our people are ours. Therefore, we cannot stay indifferent to the issues worrying our people. We cannot stay indifferent to the developments in Yerevan streets,” the Catholcicos said. 

The said that people have the right to express their discontent and expectations in a civilized way. Aram I reminded that he himself has voiced concerns over the migration and people’s living standards, and will continue to do so if necessary. 

“This is the right and duty of every Armenian,” the Catholicos said.

His Holiness Aram I added, however, stated that bloodshed on “sacred Armenian land” is not acceptable whatever the reasons of the protest campaign are.

“Clashes between our youth and police are unacceptable. All of them are our beloved sons. There is a need to jointly discuss problems and concerns and seek ways of settling them in the spirit of love and mutual understanding. This is the correct way to resolve issues. This is what we expect form the authorities and the Armenian people,” he added.