Statement on the Indictment of the Catholicos of All Armenians

Emil Lazarian News

Press
Release

 

 

Statement on the Indictment of the Catholicos of All Armenians

 

August 5, 2026

For immediate release

 

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is deeply concerned about the persecution of the leadership of the Armenian
Church. The Government of Armenia’s criminal indictment of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and six other bishops—arising from an internal ecclesiastical matter concerning the leadership of a diocese—raises serious
questions about religious freedom and respect for the rule of law.

 

AGBU respectfully calls for the withdrawal of this indictment, which we believe has no basis in law or in our historical
traditions. As it has done in the past, AGBU stands ready to play a constructive role in resolving this situation, if called upon.

 

Under its Constitution and national laws, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the Armenian Apostolic Church as the National
Church, acknowledges its right to self-governance, and protects religious freedom. Accordingly, questions concerning the suitability of bishops for ecclesiastical office are appropriately addressed through Canon Law and the established processes of the Church.

 

AGBU respects Armenia’s democratically elected government, its political authority, and the Constitution and laws of
the Republic of Armenia. At the same time, AGBU remains steadfast in its respect for our Armenian Church and its leadership, as elected in accordance with Canon Law and ecclesiastical authority, and for the Church’s enduring role in preserving Armenian identity
around the world.

 

 

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Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/08/07/statement-on-the-indictment-of-the-catholicos-of-all-armenians/

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS

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