STATEMENT BY THE HOLY SEE ON DEVELOPMENTS IN ARMENIA

The Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia is following closely the unfolding situation in Armenia, with both Catholicoi in constant communication about the developments. 

In his message on occasion of the 106th anniversary of the independence of the first Republic of Armenia, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I stressed the imperative of preserving the country’s independence, territorial integrity, and security, as the supreme value for our entire nation.  

His Holiness also urged the Armenian people to make every effort to overcome the challenges and crises the homeland is facing with unbreakable unity and collective will, as the guarantee of national greatness. 

The daughters and sons of the Armenian nation are deeply concerned about the threats against the independence and the very existence of our homeland, expressing their collective anger and demands. As the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin urges in its latest statement, our Holy See, too, recommends participants in the public demonstrations to express their protest “exclusively within the law, using common sense and not getting carried away by provocations.” 

At the same time, while we condemn the disproportionate use of force and violence by the police, we urge them to “respect our fellow Armenians’ basic rights, freedoms, honor, and dignity.” 

May the Lord keep and protect our homeland and our nation, and may He keep away every evil and threat.  

Media Center 
Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia
Antelias, May 28, 2024