Karekin II Meets with Parliament’s Opposition Forces Ahead of Inaugural Sessi

Catholicos Karekin II during a meeting with opposition lawmakers in Etchmiadzin on Aug. 2

As a result of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s campaign to depose Catholicos Karekin II, for the first time since Armenia’s independence in 1991, the Catholicos of All Armenians did not deliver remarks or offer prayers at the opening session of the new parliament on Sunday.

Ahead of the inaugural session, however, Catholicos Karekin II met with the members of parliament representing the opposition Armenia and Strong Armenia alliances.

The Catholicos offered his blessing to these lawmakers, emphasizing that for known reasons he did not have the opportunity to participate in Sunday’s inaugural session parliament, which he said was established procedure and tradition and bring blessing of the Holy Etchmiadzin and his Patriarchal message.

Karekin II, specifically, spoke about the, what he called, the worrisome situation prevailing in Armenia and national life and the multitude of challenges facing the country.

“Today, the external and internal challenges facing our country assume new trials, the possible ways to overcome which require maximum efforts, the unity of state and national structures, and skilled figures in various professional fields,” the Catholicos said.

In the face of this situation, the lack of solidarity prevailing in domestic life, the destructive and harmful actions, the division of society, political polarization, the distortion of cherished values and perceptions, as well as the illegal, unconstitutional steps taken against the Armenian [Apostolic] Church, which hinder the effective mission of the Church in the national territory, are also of great concern.

“Such unacceptable phenomena undermine the foundations of national unity, diaspora-Armenia relations, disrupt the atmosphere of mutual respect and trust in society, the strengthening of democracy and legality, and the supremacy of justice and truth,” Karekin II added.

“We are one nation, one homeland, one Church, and this unity is the reliable support for the survival and longevity of our people scattered around the world and the embodiment of their aspirations,” the Catholicos emphasized.

“The Armenian Apostolic Holy Church has always supported the nation and the homeland during its centuries-old service, and in the conditions of statehood, it has also supported the authorities in building a powerful and prosperous country and making the noble hopes of a happy future a reality,” he added.

The Catholicos stressed that the Armenian Apostolic Church will continue to support the Armenian state with its capabilities in all achievements aimed at ensuring the well-being and progress of the Armenian nation, “the strengthening and brightness of the homeland.”

Karekin II also urged the newly-elected lawmakers “to be zealous in their legislative mission, faithful to their calling and commitments, to act for the security of the homeland, the strengthening of the independent Armenian statehood, and for the benefit of the Armenian people.”

He also called on the lawmakers “to be guided by a high awareness of the implementation of shared national goals, and to serve the people as an example with justice, decency, and honesty.”

In conclusion, the Catholicos expressed his appreciation to the opposition lawmakers for their dedication and support for the Armenian Apostolic Church, “especially in this difficult period, when the campaign and repressions unleashed by the Armenian authorities are still ongoing, and when national benefactor Samvel Karapetyan remains under arrest for his statement in defense of Holy Etchmiadzin.”

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