Convening Episcopal Assembly outside Armenia does not create any anti-canonical problems – Fr. Yesayi Artenyan

The convening of the Episcopal Assembly of the Armenian Apostolic Church outside Armenia does not create any anti-canonical problems, Fr. Yesayi Artenyan, Director of the Information Service of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, said in an interview with the 24News TV channel.

“Such precedents have existed throughout history, the last one being during the reign of His Holiness Catholicos Vazgen I, when the council was held in Cairo. The Supreme Spiritual Council of the Church can also be convened outside Armenia,” he said.

The priest emphasized that the decision to convene the Episcopal Assembly in Austria was made due to concerns that the Armenian authorities might in some way obstruct its holding.

“The decision was made taking into account the policy of persecution of the Church and pressure on the clergy carried out by the authorities,” the clergyman noted.

At the invitation of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, the Episcopal Assembly will take place on February 16–19 in St. Pölten, Austria.