‘We must ensure that everyone knows the rich legacy of values our Christian ancestors left to the world’ – Samvel Karapetyan

Philanthropist and businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s Defense Council has shared his latest message to supporters via Facebook.

“Dear compatriots,

As you know, the ‘Our Way’ movement includes a working group focused on the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church and the protection of our national values. What are the group’s primary objectives?

First and foremost, we must do everything possible to regulate the relationship between the state and the Church in such a way that no small group ever again dares to attack our most important national institution and expect success. Given the current constitutional foundations, I am confident this is a solvable issue, and discussions with experts will lead to the right formula.

It is equally important that spiritual life becomes an integral part of our people’s daily lives—and the movement has a role to play here as well.

Many of the problems in our society—threatening both the moral character and the health of future generations—stem from a lack of genuine spiritual nourishment. A person who is physically well-fed but deprived of spiritual values and moral principles cannot benefit society, the state, or the homeland.

Finally, the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church is an inseparable part of our national identity and our millennia-old culture. What part of this exceptional value have we shown to the world, and what are we proud of? Over the past 35 years of independence, perhaps we haven’t had the opportunity—due to objective or subjective reasons. But in the very near future, we must ensure that everyone knows where Armenia is, where the Holy Mother See of Etchmiadzin is located, and what a rich legacy of values our Christian ancestors have given to the world.

We will do this our way,” the message reads.