Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.us
August 6, 2026
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HEADLINE:
Statement of Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate, and the
Diocesan Council of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
As the Primate and Diocesan Council of the Eastern Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America, we express our profound concern regarding
the Armenian Government’s decision to bring criminal proceedings against His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, in
connection with a matter of internal ecclesiastical governance of the Armenian
Apostolic Church.
We offer this statement in a spirit of respect for both the
Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Church, recognizing each as an
indispensable pillar of our national life. We respect the authority of Armenia’s duly
elected government and the responsibilities entrusted to its public
institutions. At the same time, His
Holiness Karekin II is the duly elected and consecrated spiritual leader of the
worldwide Armenian Church, whose life and governance are defined by its Holy
Canons and its own established ecclesiastical processes.
The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia recognizes the
Armenian Apostolic Church as the National Church and affirms its right to
self-governance. For this reason,
questions concerning the governance, discipline, and leadership of the Church
properly belong within the orbit of the Church’s own canonical order. We
believe that bringing matters of ecclesiastical governance before the civil
courts is inconsistent with centuries of precedence and the constitutional
recognition of the Armenian Church’s right to self-governance.
At a time when Armenia faces significant regional and
national challenges, our people are best served when the State and the Church
are each able to fulfill their distinct responsibilities with mutual respect
and a renewed sense of cooperation. The strength of our nation has always
depended on the strength and integrity of both institutions.
We therefore call upon all concerned to exercise wisdom,
restraint, and a renewed commitment to dialogue. It is our sincere prayer that this matter will
be resolved in a manner that upholds the Constitution of the Republic of
Armenia, honors the canonical traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
preserves the dignity of all involved, and strengthens the unity of our people
throughout Armenia and the Diaspora.
[Signed]
The Primate and Diocesan Council of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
New York City
August 5, 2026
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Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/08/07/statement-of-the-primate-and-diocesan-council-of-the-eastern-diocese-on-unfol/
