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.

The Primate and Diocesan Council of the

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)