As Catholicos, I oppose any document that directly or indirectly harms the identity and values of the Armenian family. Aram I

His Holiness Aram I, the Catholicos, spoke about the imperative of preserving the spiritual, moral, and national values of the Armenian family, addressing the Istanbul Convention. This was stated on his official Facebook page.

The Catholicos emphasized that he is against any document that directly or indirectly harms the identity and values of the Armenian family.

“Such sensitive documents and issues, which can have pan-Armenian consequences, must be seriously discussed with pan-Armenian participation, analytical and realistic approaches. Otherwise, emotional, unilateral, and theoretical approaches may lead us in the wrong direction,” said the Catholicos.

He underscored that they are firmly against any violence against women, which has been stated numerous times. “The aforementioned document contains points that are commendable; however, there are hidden and vague allusions related to family that may open the door to lifestyles, normalization, and even legalization that are alien to our conception of the Armenian family. Herein lies the danger, and we must be cautious,” Aram I stated.

He reminded that the attention of the Armenian government has often been drawn to the fact that Armenia, as a state, must respect and protect human rights on one hand while remaining loyal to national values on the other. “In such cases, Armenia must avoid making a choice and try to create harmony between these two poles, being diligent in preserving national values,” he stated.