Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church reminds Ukrainian Authorities of the need to protect the rights of believers

DECR Communication service, 26.08.24

Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians Karekin II calls on the authorities of Ukraine not to disrupt the historically established unity of the Orthodox community. This was reported by his press secretary, Father Isaiah Artenyan, on August 23, 2024, in a commentary on the law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine that allows for the prohibition of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

"The Catholicos of all Armenians expressed his position regarding this troubling issue concerning the religious life of Ukraine when the law on the protection of the constitutional order in the activities of religious organizations was still under development," the press secretary recalled. In November 2023, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos Karekin II expressed deep conviction that especially during the current difficult trials, "it is necessary to keep the Church out of political processes and not to turn the religious factor into an opportunity to sow speculation and contradictions".

"Unfortunately, the justified concerns expressed by the Armenian Church and other Churches regarding the potential undesirable consequences of ratifying this bill and its negative impact on the spiritual-canonical life and the Orthodox population did not find a response; decisions were made under the influence of the prevailing political situation," Father Isaiah Artenyan stated.

The press secretary added that the Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church "appeals to the children of the friendly people of Ukraine – the authorities and lawmakers – urging them not to disrupt the historically established unity of the Orthodox community, to protect the rights of existing religious communities, believers, and clergy, and to respect the sanctity of holy places." He noted that the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian people "wish that by God's grace, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict will be resolved soon, that unacceptable phenomena disturbing church life will be eliminated, and that the rich traditions of 'centuries-old friendship between brotherly peoples' will be restored."

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Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church reminds Ukrainian Authorities of the need to protect the rights of believers

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons