We learned with regret that the upcoming Bishops' Synod has been postponed for  baseless reason by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, which should have provided an opportunity for all of us bishops to express and substantiate our canonical viewpoint before the highest authority. This is noted in a statement issued by the Armenian Apostolic Church bishops and archbishops who had met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and who later had released a statement calling on the Catholicos Karekin II to step down.

“We regret that the most serious issues we raised remained unanswered.

As for the unfounded accusations directed at us bishops by the Mother See [of Holy Etchmiadzin], we once again REAFFIRM our unwavering oath to Holy Etchmiadzin, loyalty to the order and canons of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, to its traditions, and to our monastic brotherhood in service.

We call on our spiritual brothers NOT TO GIVE IN TO PROVOCATIONS, to refrain from offensive speech, and not to target the devoted mission of us bishops, treating with respect the Church’s patriarchal order.

Once again, we REAFFIRM our well-founded and just position that IT IS NECESSARY to provide a fundamental solution to the unacceptable phenomena unfolding around our state and Holy Church.

We beseech the Almighty Lord for boundless mercy and support for our homeland, Holy Etchmiadzin, and our devout people,” the aforesaid bishops and archbishops added in their statement.

Several days earlier, these bishops and archbishops had issued a statement condemning the conduct of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.