Catholicos Aram I slams persecution of clergy in Armenia

Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia has sharply criticized growing injustice and disregard for national values in Armenia, declaring that the church’s Antelias-based leadership “has always had the courage to say no”.

Speaking after Sunday’s liturgy at the Holy Mother of God Church in Nicosia, Cyprus, he said the church could not remain silent when “values are ignored” or when the nation’s “symbols” and fundamental interests are set aside.

“When injustice is committed in Armenia, Antelias says no,” Aram I told the congregation. “When values are dismissed and our symbols are overlooked, Antelias says no and has always said no.”

He went on to condemn pressure and detentions targeting clergymen in Armenia.

“When the church and its clergy in Armenia are subjected to persecution and arrests, Antelias has had and continues to have the courage to say no,” he said.

Aram I added that the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia would oppose any developments it views as harmful to the Armenian people or contrary to what he called “our supreme national ideals”.