The anti-church policy adopted by the Armenian authorities is deeply concerning. The Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, stated this at the Armenian church of the Holy Translators in Marseille, France.

“Our homeland and the Armenian [Apostolic] Church are going through difficulties and great challenges. The hearts of the children of our nation are still bleeding, the issues of protecting the rights of Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] Armenians, the release of Armenians held captive in Azerbaijan, and stopping the uninterrupted [Armenian] cultural genocide [by Azerbaijan] remain open,” said the Catholicos of All Armenians.

He emphasized that it is the Armenian Apostolic Church that strengthens Armenians in the fight against difficulties and challenges.

“The [Armenian Apostolic] Church is not merely a stone building, but the collective of our faithful people. The Church is you, dear faithful children, through your pious lives and God-pleasing deeds,” Karekin II noted.

The Catholicos of All Armenians added that he is confident that through the unity of the Armenian people and the grace of faith, this trial will be overcome and these malicious encroachments will be neutralized.