Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on Sunday received the MPs of the opposition Strong Armenia and "Armenia" factions of the 9th convocation of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The Catholicos conveyed his greetings and blessing to these lawmakers, emphasizing that for known reasons he did not have the opportunity to participate in Sunday’s inaugural session of the new NA according to the established procedure and tradition and bring to the MPs the blessing of Holy Etchmiadzin and his Patriarchal message.

His Holiness spoke, in particular, about the worrying situation prevailing in Armenia and national life and the current difficult problems. "Today, the external and internal challenges facing our country assume new trials, the possible ways to overcome which require maximum efforts, the unity of state and national structures, and skilled figures in various professional fields.

In the face of this situation, the lack of solidarity prevailing in domestic life, the destructive and harmful actions, the division of society, political polarization, the distortion of cherished values and perceptions, as well as the illegal, unconstitutional steps taken against the Armenian [Apostolic] Church, which hinder the effective mission of the Church in the national territory, are also of great concern.

Such unacceptable phenomena undermine the foundations of national unity, diaspora-Armenia relations, disrupt the atmosphere of mutual respect and trust in society, the strengthening of democracy and legality, and the supremacy of justice and truth," the Catholicos noted. In his remarks, he also emphasized: “We are one nation, one homeland, one Church, and this unity is the reliable support for the survival and longevity of our people scattered around the world and the embodiment of their aspirations.

The Armenian Apostolic Holy Church has always supported the nation and the homeland during its centuries-old service, and in the conditions of statehood, it has also supported the authorities in building a powerful and prosperous country and making the noble hopes of a happy future a reality.” The Catholicos stressed that the Armenian Apostolic Church shall continue to support the Armenian state with its capabilities in all good achievements aimed at ensuring the well-being and progress of the Armenian nation, the strengthening and brightness of the homeland.

On the occasion of the start of the work of the 9th convocation of the NA, the Catholicos of All Armenians urged the newly elected MPs to be zealous in their legislative mission, faithful to their calling and commitments, to act for the security of the homeland, the strengthening of the independent Armenian statehood, and for the benefit of the Armenian people.

Also, His Holiness instructed to be guided by a high awareness of the implementation of shared national goals, and to serve the people as an example with justice, decency, and honesty. At the end of the meeting, His Holiness asked the Almighty to keep the Armenian state peaceful, united and undisturbed, and wished the Armenian people throughout the world and the MPs fruitful work for the benefit of the prosperity and progress of Armenia.

In conclusion, His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the lawmakers of the aforesaid opposition factions for their dedication and filial love for the Armenian Apostolic Church, especially in this difficult period, when the campaign and repressions unleashed by the Armenian authorities are still ongoing, and when national benefactor Samvel Karapetyan remains under arrest for his statement in defense of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The meeting ended with a prayer.