Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

The Supreme Spiritual Council convened in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; issued a statement regarding the post-war situation in Armenia and Artsakh,

“1. In recent weeks, in the conditions of the hostilities unleashed against Artsakh by the international terrorists, Azerbaijan and Turkey; our faithful people with deep pain and prayer to God lived in the Homeland and the Diaspora; striving to support the Armenians of Artsakh, as well as the Artsakh Defense Army; raising their voice to inform the world about the right of Artsakh to a free and independent life; continuing to rely on the victorious spirit of our soldier.

2. Maintaining the ceasefire and reliable peace in the region is indisputable and vital. However, the trilateral statement issued on November 10, regarding the ceasefire, its consequences and the current uncertainties, the fact of the loss of a part of Artsakh; suddenly surprised the public, leading to a just outbreak, which is fraught with internal political destabilization of our country, and threatens to make the Homeland face new dangers.

3. In these days, we should ignore our feelings and, first of all, and we with gratitude should continue to honor the memory of our heroic sons, who gave their lives for the sake of our Fatherland; and support their families and the whole nation; as well as, we must properly greet the brave warriors who fought heroic battles for 44 days overcoming the hardships.

4. For the decisions made during this period; the competent officials of all relevant bodies should be held accountable for such a resolution to the conflict; for the restoration of national solidarity; with unconditional respect for its legitimacy; not ruling out the probability of their resignations.

5. The rule of law must be upheld, and all political processes must be resolved within the framework of the RA Constitution. At the same time, in the current conditions, it is unacceptable to increase the pain of the people, endangering the future of the state and our people. First of all, the authorities, the parliamentary opposition and all social-political figures must immediately start a dialogue, to solve the problems in an atmosphere of cooperation. Any deviation from this path cannot be accepted by our people and the Church. In the current situation, it is necessary to preserve the national identity at all costs, and stay far from the steps disrupting it.

6. Following the speeches of public officials in these days, rallies and protests of the opposition being held in Yerevan; we urge the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; the representatives of the government and the opposition, to refrain from the speeches that provoke hate and hostility, threats and similar actions. Each manifestation of violence, each more depressive and inflammatory act towards the people who bear the pain of loss should be condemned. We condemn the violence against the President of the National Assembly and any other person, at the same time, any repression in a political context.

7. We urge the National Assembly, and particularly the majoritarian faction, to show political responsibility with a high awareness of the interests of the country, and to restore the normal work of the National Assembly, with all the obligations arising from the situation. It is necessary to listen to the voice of the people, and be aware of the public frustrations and demands; to act above personal and party's interests, with high consciousness and responsibility of state thinking. The homeland needs to take immediate steps today.

8. It is the sacred duty of all of us to make contributions to Armenia and the Diaspora to overcome this situation. We must take a commitment to support the Armenians of Artsakh and the Artsakh authorities to reorganize the lives of the children of our people. Artsakh should not be emptied of Armenians.

9. We are particularly saddened by the witnesses of our centuries-old identity to be abandoned in the areas to be handed over: the chapels, churches and monasteries, castles, historical and cultural monuments and museums. We call on the relevant state bodies, the Diaspora forces; in consultation with the Armenian Church; to make every effort to save them from further destruction from the anti-Armenian policy of Azerbaijan.

10. The Catholicos of All Armenians, with the support of the Supreme Spiritual Council, must continue His efforts to establish the necessary atmosphere of unity and solidarity in the country, and to guide the necessary processes in a legal way.
We honor all our brave soldiers and servicemen who have shown unparalleled heroism in the sacred struggle of defending the homeland. We also pray for the peace of the souls of the Armenians who fell as a result of the war crimes; asking for the comfort and consolation of the Holy Spirit to the families of our martyred children, relatives, and all our people. Asking for the support and help of the Lord, we wish healing to our wounded soldiers.

We call on the children of our people to maintain vigilance, faith and trust in these difficult conditions; that we are able to get out of this difficult situation united; to overcome the problems and challenges that have arisen, to forge the power of our Homeland, the new victorious progress and the bright future of our people together.

We pray that the Merciful Lord, with His love and Blessings, keep our Homeland strong, safe and peaceful; granting endurance and strength to all our people”.