Supreme Spiritual Council Denounces State ‘Repression’ and Internal Schism at Holy Etchmiadzin

OCP News Service & Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin– 22/12/2025

Yerevan-Armenia: Under the chairmanship of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the resident members of the Supreme Spiritual Council convened on December 18 to address what they termed a coordinated campaign of “repression” against the Mother See and a deepening internal divide led by a group of dissenting bishops.

Condemnation of State Interference and ‘Fabricated’ Charges

The Council issued a sharp rebuke of the Armenian authorities, specifically targeting the Prime Minister for direct interference in the internal life and canonical provisions of the Church. The Council highlighted the “forced omission” of the names of the Catholicos and diocesan leaders from liturgies attended by the Prime Minister—a practice condemned as uncanonical and a catalyst for schism.

Reaffirming its support for imprisoned clergy and national benefactors, the Council demanded that law enforcement and judicial bodies ensure justice for those held on “fabricated charges.” The Mother See pledged to pursue the protection of Church rights and the return of “occupied holy places” using all available legal avenues.

Internal Crisis and the ‘Dissenting Ten’

A significant portion of the meeting addressed the “perverse course” of ten bishops whose absence from assemblies and public accusations were characterized as a violation of their spiritual vows. The Council expressed dismay that some bishops, who initially supported the November 26 Council of Bishops’ decisions, have since participated in “distorted ceremonies” organized by the state.

The Council urged these bishops to abandon “anti-canonical agendas” and return to the fold of the Mother Church. To resolve the ongoing crisis, the Council issued urgent instructions to convene a full Council of Bishops in the near future.

Countering State Propaganda via International Cooperation

In a move to elevate the crisis to the global stage, a proposal was presented to the meeting to initiate formal cooperation with international organizations and human rights groups. The Council intends for these partnerships to counter the “misconceptions” and false narratives currently being spread by the state’s “propaganda machine.”

By engaging with international observers, the Mother See aims to secure an objective assessment of the religious freedom violations and legal irregularities currently affecting the Church in Armenia.

Call to the Faithful

The assembly concluded by praising the clergy and faithful who have remained loyal to the Mother See despite organized disturbances. It urged the global flock to remain vigilant, provide accurate information through pastoral missions, and reject efforts to fracture the unity of the Armenian Apostolic Church during these “difficult days.”

Source:

OCP News Service