The Azerbaijani occupation administration destroyed the Holy Theotokos in Stepanakert

Artsakh Tourism and Culture Development Agency issued a statement, in which, in particular, it is said:

“Ahead of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we record that the Azerbaijani occupation administration destroyed the Church of Our Lady of Hovanu in Stepanakert.

This is not just the demolition of the church. This is a continuation of the same policy that led to the Armenian Genocide a century ago. Today, it manifests itself in new ways, as a cultural genocide and a planned process of erasing the homeland, the goal of which is the final elimination of Armenian historical memory, culture and spiritual presence in Artsakh. Not only buildings are destroyed, but also the identity of the people, the past and the right to the future.

Under these conditions, the almost complete silence of the authorities of the Republic of Armenia is unacceptable. When our sanctuaries are destroyed, silence is no longer neutrality—it becomes acquiescence to the crime being committed.

Equally shameful and dangerous is the silence of the international community, as well as the international and specialized structures involved in the protection of cultural heritage. This silence not only does not stop the criminal, but also encourages new crimes, creating an atmosphere of impunity.

The authorities of the Republic of Armenia are obliged to give an immediate and clear political assessment of this barbarism, publicly condemn the policy of destruction of cultural heritage in Artsakh and take active diplomatic steps to raise this issue on international platforms.

At the same time, it should be clearly stated that the right of the Armenian population of Artsakh to return to their homeland is inalienable and cannot be questioned. The destruction of cultural heritage is also aimed at denying that right, disrupting the possibility of the return of the people through the elimination of memory.

The Church of Our Lady Hovanu, built in 2000-2007, was one of the most important spiritual centers of Stepanakert. It restored the centuries-old church presence in the area where the church, which had been operating since the end of the 19th century, was closed and transformed into a secular building during the Soviet years. The newly built temple became a living symbol of the revival of faith, preservation of memory and continuity of Armenian identity.

Today, its destruction is another episode of the same tragic chain that began a century ago with the genocide and continues today in front of our eyes, directed not only against the stones, but also against the people’s memory, dignity and right to live and return to their homeland.

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