A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT AGAINST THE CHURCH’S SELF-GOVERNANCE

Building on the concerns raised in our previous statement, we unequivocally condemn the latest developments: a criminal prosecution has been launched against the Catholicos of All Armenians by the collaborationist government and its complicit so-called “law enforcement” authorities, purportedly for “obstructing” a court decision related to the Church’s internal disciplinary affairs.

In fact, a situation has been created where the state, ignoring the principle of separation of church and state enshrined in the Constitution, is persecuting the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church with criminal prosecution for exercising self-government.

This step is not only a legally dangerous precedent, but also a blow to freedom of faith and ecclesiastical autonomy. It is obvious and highly concerning that the measures taken practically restrict the free movement of the Catholicos and senior clergy, preventing them from participating in the scheduled synod of bishops.

We reaffirm that the matters related to the church’s internal governance, canonical discipline, and spiritual life are exclusively within the church’s jurisdiction.

The steps taken by authorities acting under external dictate have been and will be met with nationwide condemnation, both in Armenia and in the Diaspora, and will unite the resources of the entire Armenian nation on a single front in defense of our Holy Church.

Council of the National-Democratic Alliance,

February 16, 2026, Yerevan