Holy See of Cilicia reaffirms support for Catholicosate of All Armenians

Under the chairmanship of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Lay and Religious Councils of the Central Committee of the Holy See of Cilicia convened from June 10 to 16, 2025, in Antelias. The meeting was attended by the Prelates of the Holy See of Cilicia and representatives from Diocesan Executive Committees.

The Committee reviewed the activities and progress of departments and key institutions affiliated with the Catholicosate, including the Theological Seminary, Khoren Ayp Youth Center, the Birds’ Nest, Azounieh Sanatorium, Armenian Elderly Home, the Christian Education Department, Bible translation progress, ecclesiastical rituals, ecumenical and interreligious relations, the Cilicia Library and Museum, the Armenian Genocide Orphans’ “Aram Bezikian” Museum, the Cilicia Analytical Platform, and other departments. Directors of these institutions, along with trusteeship representatives, presented reports during their respective sessions.

Strategic discussions focused on the reorganization and revitalization of dioceses in the Diaspora, the necessity of adopting modern approaches to church mission, and the implementation of innovative methodologies to address emerging challenges.

The Assembly reaffirmed that, in accordance with the resolutions of the National General Assembly, partnership and specialization have become defining characteristics of the Holy See of Cilicia’s operational framework.

A key agenda item concerned relations with the Patriarchal Sees and the Republic of Armenia. The meeting expressed deep concern over the confrontational stance recently adopted by Armenian authorities toward the Catholicos of All Armenians and the senior clergy of Holy See of Etchmiadzin. The following points were emphasized:

a) The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia establishes the principle of separation between church and state, affirming the Church’s independence. Government intervention violates this constitutional mandate.

b) Issues relating to the Church and its clergy must be addressed solely through ecclesiastical laws and regulations. The state has no legal basis to intervene.

c) The public discourse surrounding church matters has been conducted in an unacceptable manner and must be condemned.

d) At a time when the Armenian Homeland faces existential threats, all efforts should be directed toward national unity and security, rather than deepening divisions.

e) Per the principle of “One Nation, One Church,” the Holy See of Cilicia reaffirms its support for the Catholicosate of All Armenians and condemns any acts of violation against it.

The Assembly expressed satisfaction with the vitality and resilience of the Catholicosate’s prelacies, particularly in the Middle East, where historical communities continue to carry out vibrant and community-centered missions despite ongoing regional instability.

In his concluding remarks, His Holiness Aram I emphasized the urgent need to develop a renewed vision for diocesan and general church activity, advocating for updated methodologies and structural rejuvenation to meet the demands of a changing world—especially in the Diaspora. He concluded with a call for unity around the Church’s core values and ideals, underscoring the importance of resisting internal polarization amid the crises facing the Armenian nation and Homeland.