Artsakh Diocese condemns destruction of St. Hakob Church in Stepanakert

(Horizon Media) – The Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church has strongly condemned the complete destruction of St. Hakob Church in Stepanakert by Azerbaijani occupation authorities, describing it as another act in the ongoing eradication of Artsakh’s Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage.

In its statement, the Diocese said St. Hakob Church had for years served as a vital center of spiritual life in Stepanakert, where thousands of Artsakh Armenians gathered in prayer and where Holy Communion was distributed every Sunday.

The Diocese said the destruction of the church forms part of a systematic and deliberate campaign of cultural genocide. It pointed to the fate of several other Armenian churches and sanctuaries in Artsakh, including St. John the Baptist in Shushi, St. Sargis in Tandzatap and Mokhrenes, Holy Ascension in Berdzor, and Zoravor Holy Mother of God in Mekhakavan.

Calling the continued destruction of Armenian religious heritage a state level policy carried out in full view of the world, the Diocese criticized the failure of international bodies to stop what it described as a cultural catastrophe.

The statement also stressed that silence from international institutions would not weaken its resolve. The Diocese said it would continue to press its just cause and demand the protection of Artsakh’s rights, heritage, and sacred sites.

It renewed its call on relevant international bodies to intervene immediately, stop the ongoing vandalism, and prevent further destruction of Artsakh’s spiritual and cultural heritage, which it said holds value for the entire Christian world.