Supreme Spiritual Council Concludes Its Assembly
15.03.2025
From March 11 to 14, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Supreme Spiritual Council convened at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Beatitude Archbishop Sahak Mashalian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, chaired the sessions, while His Eminence Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, conducted the meetings.
Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan presented a report on the preparatory works for the Armenian Church Representative Assembly (ACRA) convocation.
After the report, deliberations took place, leading to the adoption of resolutions concerning the electoral process for ACRA delegates in the dioceses, the preparation of agenda materials, and various organizational matters.
Furthermore, the relevant committees were instructed to prepare reports for presentation at the Armenian Church Representative Assembly, addressing key issues concerning the Church’s mission—such as the organization of parish life, clergy formation, educational and pastoral initiatives, social services, challenges to Christian values, the preservation of Armenian identity in the Diaspora, and the Church’s material and economic affairs.
The Supreme Spiritual Council also heard a report from Mr. Arman Tatoyan, Director of the Center for Law and Justice Tatoyan Foundation, concerning the Armenian captives and prisoners unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan. Addressing the fabricated trials conducted against the political leadership, military personnel, and civilians of Artsakh in Azerbaijan, the Council issued a separate statement.
Dr. Arthur Khachikyan, a political scientist, delivered a report on the external and internal challenges facing national life, emphasizing the imperative of diplomatic efforts guided by national interests and regional balance.
With deep concern for the challenges confronting Armenia and the Armenian people, the members of the Supreme Spiritual Council underscored the vital mission of the Armenian Church in fostering national unity and solidarity, overcoming existing hardships, strengthening Armenia-Diaspora collaboration, and effectively harnessing the pan-Armenian potential.
Mr. Mikael Malkhasyan, PhD in history and an expert in demography, presented a special report on the demographic issues of the Republic of Armenia. Mr. Malkhasyan briefed on a chronological and comparative analysis of the demographic situation of Armenia, discussing population growth and migration statistics since independence.
The Council members expressed concern over the alarming demographic trends and acknowledged the insufficiency of current initiatives. They emphasized the crucial role of the Church in strengthening Armenian families and encouraging childbirth through pastoral care and spiritual guidance.
The Supreme Spiritual Council has also heard reports on the activities of the spiritual and educational institutions of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, their academic programs, the development of educational benchmarks and outcomes, and areas of improvement. Rev. Fr. Shahe Ananyan, Dean of the Gevorgian Theological Seminary; Bishop Vahan Hovhannisyan, Director of the Garegin I Educational Center; Bishop Daniel Fntgyan, Head of the Seminary Graduate Division; and Rev. Fr. Vache Mkrtchyan, Dean of the Harich Turbanchyan Seminary, delivered the relevant presentations. They noted that since 2023, training courses have involved 354 clergymen from various dioceses in Armenia and the Diaspora.
The Council expressed satisfaction with the seamless integration of the three-tiered educational system at the Gevorgian Theological Seminary, acknowledging the provision of education that meets contemporary standards of excellence.
Rev. Fr. Zakaria Baghumyan, Director of the Christian Education Center, and Ms. Hasmik Margaryan, a member of the Educational Committee, briefed the Council on the ongoing efforts to develop Sunday School textbooks.
This initiative aims to introduce a unified spiritual-educational program tailored to contemporary needs to ensure the spiritual and national education of pupils of Sunday Schools.
Recognizing the utmost importance of this initiative in shaping the moral and spiritual character of the younger generation and preserving national identity, the Supreme Spiritual Council urged the continuation of efforts toward its realization.
Bishop Mushegh Babayan, Director of the Administrative and Economic Department, presented a report on the construction projects of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. It was announced that the Mother Cathedral Museum, the Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House, and the newly built Candle-Lighting Hall will soon be operational. Renovation and restoration continue on the dormitory of the Gevorgian Theological Seminary, the residential quarters of Harichavank, and other facilities.
Updates have also been provided on the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Bishop Theodoros Zakaryan, Chair of the Patriarchate’s Administrative Council, briefed the assembly on the lease agreement of the Cows’ Garden property, the taxation issues it imposes on the Patriarchate, and the steps taken in this regard.
The Supreme Spiritual Council affirmed its support for the monastic clergy of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Armenian community, emphasizing the urgent need for a just resolution to these issues and the continuation of efforts to address them.
Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus, provided the assembly with comprehensive information regarding the situation in Syria, ongoing political transformations, security concerns, economic difficulties, and the challenges faced by the Armenian community.
The 2024 activity report of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the annual financial report, and the report of the Audit Committee were presented during the session.
It was noted that throughout the past year, the Armenian Church's structures and dioceses have continued implementing a wide range of spiritual, missionary, social, educational, cultural, and charitable programs. Special attention was given to the humanitarian projects initiated by the Mother See in 2024, which aim to assist socially vulnerable groups, displaced individuals from Artsakh, the families of fallen soldiers, and Armenian communities in the Diaspora.
The Mother See and the dioceses collectively allocated financial assistance totaling USD 1,551,115 (608,037,073 AMD). The Supreme Spiritual Council commended the extensive activities of the Armenian Church as detailed in the report.
The assembly concluded with the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and reciting the Protecting prayer.
