“A page of shame and betrayal”: The Russian and Nor Nakhichevan Diocese condemns the authorities’ actions against the Armenian Apostolic Church

The trial of Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and six bishops of the Supreme Spiritual Council is unprecedented moral terror by the Armenian authorities against their own people, according to a statement by the Russian and Nor Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

“This day will go down in history as a page of shame and betrayal… This is a crime against identity, since, through the nation’s chosen Patriarch and clergy, the Armenian people are being put on trial, and the Constitution and international laws on freedom of religion are being trampled underfoot. This is not a judicial process, but the vengeance of the godless, testifying to the openly anti-church and anti-state stance of authoritarian rulers,” the statement reads.

At a time when state levers are being used against the clergy and dissent as an instrument of punishment, and the authorities are shaping public opinion through labeling, slander, and fear, every patriotic Christian is obligated to be on the front lines to fight against injustice and lawlessness in order to preserve identity, sacred values, and dignity, the diocese’s statement notes.

As a reminder, the first hearing in the case against Karekin II and six bishops will take place today in Etchmiadzin. The Catholicos has decided to attend the hearing in person. The opposition parliamentary factions “Strong Armenia” and “Armenia,” as well as public figures, will hold an action in support of the Catholicos of All Armenians outside the courthouse.