Catholicos Aram I condemns arrests of clergy in Armenia

Several months ago, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I publicly denounced the arrests of clergy in Armenia and called for their ending through mediators. While on his current pontifical visit, he continues to closely monitor developments and reiterates his condemnation, the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia reported on Friday.

Entrusting Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, currently in Armenia on a cultural mission, Aram I has ensured that his concerns and strong objections are conveyed directly to state and political leaders, including the prime minister.

"Catholicos Aram I has stressed the urgent need to restore healthy church-state relations, underscoring that the nation’s highest interests require a strong and collaborative partnership between these two foundational pillars of Armenian society," the statement read.