YEREVAN. The country has never been in such a difficult situation, we have not had such a loss of the homeland, the country has never faced such dangers; Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II said this Thursday to reporters at Yerablur Military Pantheon in Armenia’s capital Yerevan.
“In this situation, the [Armenian] church, naturally, would be in its mission and would say its word; its word of awakening, bringing a message,” the Catholicos added.
Asked whether he continues to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Karekin II said: “There is no change in our convictions, positions.”
To a reporter’s inquiry as to whether the Armenian church is taking divisive steps, supporting the position of any political force, the Catholicos said: “The Church is guided by national and state interests. (…). The church is an apolitical institution.”
Referring to the issue of whether the Armenian church was taking on the role of political leadership, Karekin II said: “We have an Armenian statehood. The Church will put all its efforts in the cherished cause of the empowerment, security, and strengthening of that statehood.”
Asked why the Armenian church did not criticize the Armenian authorities before, the Catholicos said: “The Church itself decides in what circumstances it will raise its voice.”
To the question whether there is a part of the Armenian church’s guilt in the current situation, Karekin II responded: “Those accusations must be substantiated, confirmed.”
Touching upon the issue of exchange of Armenian POWs, the Catholicos said that they make every effort in that regard.
Asked whether it is possible to address this issue to the Pope, Karekin II said: “We are discussing this issue ourselves and are taking appropriate steps.”
Also, the Catholicos condemned the desecration of Armenian churches by Azerbaijan. “We are making efforts so that the international community also expresses its condemnation of these phenomena,” he added.
And to the question whether we are in danger of losing the Armenian statehood, Karekin II said: “God forbid, there are always risks. We believe that such
