Mother See says Church’s canonical matters and reforms not subject to a self-proclaimed council

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin issued a statement in response to the declaration signed by the prime minister and ten bishops. The statement emphasizes the following points:

a. Actions taken by the head of the Armenian government under the pretext of regulating and reforming the internal life of the Church directly violate the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and infringe upon the Church’s rights as recognized under both international law and Armenian legislation.

b. The involvement of bishops in such anti-church initiatives, as well as any pressures applied to the clergy, are condemnable. Discussions on matters concerning the life of the Church are to take place exclusively within the appropriate ecclesiastical bodies, in accordance with canonical regulations. It is concerning that the ten bishops in question have not responded to the calls and invitations from the Mother See and continue to avoid meetings and discussions with the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Supreme Spiritual Council regarding matters affecting them.

c. It must be emphasized that canonical issues and reforms within the Church are not under the authority of any self-proclaimed council, but under the governance of the Mother See of the Armenian Apostolic Church and its highest ecclesiastical bodies.

d. Such reckless actions could lead to regrettable and painful consequences.