PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
April 23, 2004
Appeal by Primates of Armenian Church Dioceses in Armenia
On April 20, a meeting of the Primates of all Armenian Church Dioceses
within Armenia was convened in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the
presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians. The meeting’s agenda included the discussion of issues
related to Christian education and organization of diocesan and parish life.
The bishops also discussed the internal political situation in Armenia and
issued the following appeal addressed to all of the people:
“We, the Primates of the Dioceses of Armenia, express our concern regarding
the continuation of the internal political tension in Armenia. Given the
present day situation of critical developments in our region, we consider as
unacceptable those paths that lead to political agitations, and which lead
to confrontations, deepen the spirit of intolerance and division among our
people, and jeopardize the stability of the Homeland and the security of our
statehood.
“Before the sacredness of April 24, we appeal to all of our people, to the
state authorities, the political parties and the non-governmental
organizations, asking them to remain faithful to the luminous memory of the
victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915; through whom live the wholeness of
independent statehood of our nation and the centuries-old desire of our
people for a free and secure life, and through which our spirit of national
unity has always been strengthened.
“The interest of the Homeland and the people is one and the same.
Therefore, let us listen to one another in the spirit of reconciliation, so
that we may find the necessary paths of building our homeland. We must
search for solutions to all of our issues and problems with a protectiveness
of preserving the rule of law, mutual respect, compromise, and reciprocal
understanding, while pursuing the greatest aim of maintaining the internal
peace and stability of our homeland and the unanimity of our people.
“We believe that in the this soul-renewing Easter season, when the
Resurrected Savior spreads His peace and love over us all, that we will be
able to overcome this anxious internal political situation, for the benefit
and joy of us all – our faithful Nation in Armenia and dispersed throughout
the world.”
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