Church Appeals to Authorities Ahead of Catholicos' Trial

The leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Diocese of Romania, Bishop Tatev Hakobyan, along with the leaders of the Dioceses of Damascus, Cologne, and Baghdad, has made statements regarding the criminal proceedings initiated against His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and six bishops of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

Bishop Tatev Hakobyan expressed that he is following the judicial process in Armenia with deep concern and a sense of shame. He stated that the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia guarantees the autonomy of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, and any intervention by the state into the internal affairs of the Church contradicts the principles of a legal state.

The bishop also declared that instead of national consolidation following the loss of Artsakh, the authorities are targeting the Church, which has been one of the most crucial pillars of the Armenian people for centuries. He emphasized that the current situation also harms Armenia's international reputation, particularly within the Christian world.

Simultaneously, a statement was released by the leader of the Diocese of Damascus, Archbishop Armash Nalbandian, the leader of the Diocese of Germany, Bishop Serob Isakhanyan, and the leader of the Diocese of Baghdad, Bishop Oshakan Gyulgyulian. They noted that the upcoming trial raises concerns not only among the followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church but also among all those who value religious freedom, the rule of law, and the principles of a democratic state.

The authors of the statement stressed that any legal process conducted against the supreme spiritual authority of the Church should be exclusively justified and comply with both the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and the requirements of international law. They believe that issues in the state-church relations should be resolved through mutual respect, dialogue, and adherence to constitutional principles, rather than through criminal prosecutions.

The bishops urged the authorities of Armenia to adhere to the principles of legality and refrain from actions that may deepen societal division or jeopardize the country's spiritual and social stability. They also appealed to sister churches, interchurch organizations, and bodies working in the field of human rights to closely monitor developments and support the establishment of healthy dialogue.

It is recalled that on August 7, tomorrow, a court hearing is scheduled for the criminal proceedings initiated against Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, and the six bishops of the Supreme Spiritual Council.