Ninth Clergy Congress held at Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

From June 16 to 21, with the blessing of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, the 9th Clergy Congress was convened at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Clergy from Armenia and the Diaspora, along with representatives from the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia and the Armenian Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople, took part in the congress, the press service of Holy Etchmiadzin reports.

The Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his paternal blessing to the participants, emphasizing that such traditional gatherings are vital opportunities to strengthen spiritual unity and collectively address the current challenges facing the Armenian Church and nation.

Speaking about the mission of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Catholicos noted that the Armenian Church has always conveyed the divine word to the people. In critical moments of history—in the absence of statehood—it also assumed the role of political leadership, defending the national rights and Christian values of the Armenian people.

He further expressed concern over recent criticism of the Church by the Armenian Prime Minister, stating that such attacks are intended to undermine the Church’s authority in society. The Catholicos called on the clergy to be united in the face of challenges, faithful to their sacred calling, and to strengthen the spirit of faith, unity and solidarity in the hearts of the faithful.