Catholicos calls for calm amid political tension

Late on June 10, numerous citizens gathered at Zvartnots Airport to welcome Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II upon his return from a one-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. The gathering was reportedly organized following a call by the chairman of the Homeland Party, Artur Vanetsyan.

Crowds greeted the Catholicos with applause and chants of “Vehapar.” At his request, the Lord’s Prayer was recited, according to Panorama.am.

In response to recent public statements directed at the Church, His Holiness Karekin II referred to the declaration by the Supreme Spiritual Council, noting it “says everything.” According to Sputnik Armenia, he added: “The statements made recently by the prime minister have caused widespread indignation among our people. We believe that with God’s mercy and help, together with you, wisely and without unnecessary emotions or unrest, we will overcome this difficulty. We believe that through united efforts and the combination of our capabilities, we will overcome all the challenges of our lives and build a bright future for ourselves and our children.”

On his way out of the airport, the Catholicos blessed the faithful gathered outside.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan earlier stated on Facebook that “decisive steps are needed to liberate the Catholicosate at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and to organize new Catholicosal elections.” He added that a “Coordinating Group will be formed to manage the organizational matters related to this agenda,” and that he himself would take responsibility for selecting the group’s first ten members.