Armenian church head: 'We will do everything to ensure justice prevails'

In the wake of a National Security Service (NSS) raid at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on Friday, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II addressed the clergy gathered at the courtyard of the Mother See, urging them to proceed to the Catholicosate for a closed-door discussion.

“There, we will come together, hold discussions and determine our next steps,” said His Holiness. “We will definitely spare no effort to ensure that justice is upheld for the church, clergy and nation.”

The search comes after the detention of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and 14 of his supporters on charges of plotting to "seize power through terrorist acts” in Armenia.

In addition, Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, the Shirak Diocese head, has been charged with making public calls for the usurpation of power.