Catholicos of All Armenians Issues Statement on Gyumri Massacre
January 2015
On January 16, the Monastic Council of the Mother See and bishops from Armenia, met in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadizn, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. They discussed the horrific crime that took place in Gyumri days before, the concerns of the people, and the incidents of unrest. During this time, there has been constant contact between the primacy of the Mother See and the Diocese of Shirak, and the Mother See was constantly kept aware and has followed the developments. The Catholicoses of All Armenians stated in his remarks:
“Due to the inhumane crime committed in Gyumri, our people are in pain and great sorrow during this time. It is our common expectation, that all persons connected with the crime will be held responsibile and prosecuted in all strictness of law. We are confident that the necessary steps will be taken by law enforcement, towards the full disclosure of the crime and condemnation of the guilty by the state authorities.
We express our concern for the unfortunate incidents that occured during the unrest among people our on January 15, as a result of which there are injuries. We urge our children to remain calm and to avoid provocations and incitement…”
His Holiness also expressed his appreciation to His Grace Bishop Michael Ajapahyan; Primate of the Diocese of Shirak and the Diocesan clergy for their their pastoral service during these days.
At the end of the meeting, a prayer was offered for the peace of the souls of the Avetisyan family members, and for the quick recovery of the wounded Seryoja Avetisyan.
