Statement of the Mother See of Holy Etchmidzain Over the Vandalization of the Armenian Church in Shushi
Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland – 28/11/2020
We strongly condemn the vandalism done to Shushi St. John Mkrtich (Kanach Jam) church in Artsakh. The Actions of Azerbaijan shows the decades-long policy of this country to erase all traces of Armenian historical presence in the historical homeland of Armenians.
We call on the international community and relevant organizations to condemn such unacceptable actions of Azerbaijan and to take urgent active steps towards prevention of such actions of vandalism.
Formation of a new department preserving the Heritage sites of Artsakh
By the decision of His Holiness Karekin II, a new department was created in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to deal with the preservation and safeguarding of the Spiritual and cultural heritage sites of Artsakh at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin that have come under Azerbaijani control, Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambardzoumyan has been appointed by His Holiness to lead this department, which started its work last week.
