CATHOLICOS WARNS AGAINST ESCALATION IN ARMENIA AND CALLS FOR RESTRAINT

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I expressed concern over the mutual accusations between Armenian government officials and clergymen, saying they may compromise the country’s stability. In conversations with representatives of Armenian political parties, he also called for restraint in public statements by the figures involved.

“The first step to solve the complex situation created in Armenia is to stop public accusations and expressions,” His Holiness said. “We have to respect our sanctuaries with utmost awe.”

The current controversy, compounded by potential external threats, may expose Armenia to great risks and lead to irreversible consequences. Both parties need to avoid further escalation.

“No efforts must be spared to prevent such perilous situations,” the Catholicos said. “The Church, in turn, is called to review issues that pertain to it and seek solutions, in the same way that the state must approach these matters while refraining from actions that cause further complications and polarization.”

In his statements, His Holiness called for respect for the law as well as for the Church and its right to review its internal affairs. “We should avoid language and styles incompatible with our spiritual, national, and political values,” he said. “Therefore, the first phase to deescalate… should be to stop any kind of public statements.”

The Catholicos also expressed his disapproval of police tactics at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. 

“We also learned with sorrow about law enforcement entering Holy Etchmiadzin and about the inadmissible situation created there,” His Holiness said. “We condemn such steps.”

The sacred space of the churches should be treated with due deference, the same as the clergy.

“We have to respect our sanctuaries with utmost awe,” he said. “We also call upon the state bodies to put an end to the campaign of arrests and adopt a calm approach to situations and circumstances deemed illegal.

His Holiness has vowed to continue his consultations with Armenian government officials and party leaders to help find a solution to the current situation. He again urged all the parties involved to stop making public statements and create an atmosphere conducive to mutual understanding and respect.