ADDRESS OF ARMENIAN CHURCH PRIMATES TO THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE
armradio.am
29.02.2008 17:47
On February 29, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during a meeting of the diocesan
primates and bishops of the Armenian Church in the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin.
Expressing their concern with the internal political situation in
Armenia resulting from post-election developments, the leaders of
the Armenian Church appealed to the people with the following message:
"To our dear and pious faithful,
We are deeply troubled and distressed with the tense internal political
landscape in our country following the presidential elections. The
waves of emotions contain within them seeds of intolerance and
confrontation for the sons and daughters of our people. The current
situation is fraught with dangers threatening the internal peace and
stability of our country and the reputation of our state.
On the path to independence, our people overcame many difficulties and
obstacles, with the hope and faith of seeing a stronger country – not
one that is unstable and rocked by divisions, conflicts and tremors. A
divided people are condemned to fail in the realization of their
aspirations and in their desires to establish a progressive, prosperous
country and a strong state. As our Lord Jesus Christ says, "Every
kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city
or house divided against itself shall not stand". (St. Matthew 12:25)
Dear Armenian Sons and Daughters, we exhort you to preserve the
spirit of common sense, wisdom and discretion; remain alert and
law-abiding. Disregard all voices provoking hatred and enmity. Take
each step with serious consideration for our country’s reputation,
and for our present and future.
We call upon the representatives of the opposition who do not accept
the results of the election, to work within legal frameworks, so
that the stability of our statehood remains unharmed and that the
achievements of our people and the tranquility of their lives are
not endangered. Mass rallies and marches are not the ideal methods
to dispute the final results of a completed election.
We call upon the state authorities to exert their utmost efforts
using peaceful means to find solutions to the unresolved issues
and challenges.
We pray to Almighty God, that He keep our country in tranquility, our
Holy Apostolic Church unshaken, and our people dispersed throughout
the world in peace, all under His benevolent and watchful gaze.
May the Grace, Love and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
and with all. Amen."