Armenian Episcopal Assembly Condemns Omission of Catholicos’ Name, Warns Against Schism

OCP News Service & Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin– 26/11/2025

Yerevan-Armenia: A meeting of Armenian bishops and diocesan leaders, convened at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on November 25, 2025, resulted in a strong condemnation of recent acts of clerical disobedience, warning that such actions pose a threat of schism to the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The conference, held under the chairmanship of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, centered its discussion on the “deliberate omission of the names of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Diocesan Primate” by certain individual clergy members during the Divine Liturgy.

Action Deemed Anti-Canonical

In its formal statement, the Episcopal Conference unanimously condemned the practice, clarifying that from an ecclesiastical perspective, it is “anti-canonical and can lead to schism.” The assembly emphasized the gravity of the spiritual and institutional breach caused by omitting the names of the presiding hierarchs during the public prayers of the Liturgy—a fundamental demonstration of unity and canonical obedience in Orthodox traditions.

The bishops agreed that such anti-canonical actions are subject to the “strictest punishment” if the offending clergyman fails to repent and correct their course in accordance with established church procedure.

The assembly concluded by underscoring the vital role of the clergy in maintaining stability. The bishops urged ministers not to engage in divisive actions and provocations, but instead to uphold the spirit of unity essential for the “stability and further strengthening of our Holy Apostolic Church.”

Source:

OCP News Service