Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, who returned to Armenia, addressed the hundreds of people who came to support him with a message outside Zvartnots International Airport of Yerevan. “I know that you have come to express your indignation regarding the statements made by the prime minister in recent days against the [Armenian Apostolic] Church and [its] clergy.

We know that these statements made by the prime minister have caused universal indignation. I believe that with the mercy and help of God, together with you, we will be able to overcome this difficulty wisely, without excessive emotion, unrest. Remain strong in your faith, loyalty to the [Armenian Apostolic] Church. We appreciate this attitude of yours. But, also, we want to say that it obligates us, the clergy [of the Armenian Apostolic Church] all the more, to carry out our mission with the same dedication and loyalty.

Our exhortation shall be that in these difficult times, keep the unity in our national life strong and firm, do not allow such actions and deeds that would endanger our national unity find a place in our lives in any way. We believe that with our joint efforts, by combining our abilities, we will be able to withstand all trials, overcome all difficulties. May God help our people, today and forever,” said the Catholicos of All Armenians.

 Also, Karekin II noted that issues related to the Armenian Apostolic Church and its clergy were being discussed by the relevant bodies—and in accordance with the church order. Hundreds of people gathered near Zvartnots International Airport of Yerevan greeted the Catholicos of All Armenians who returned to Armenia with applause, thus expressing their support for him and the Armenian Apostolic Church.