Lawyer warns against blocking Catholicos Karekin II's participation in Georgian patriarch's funeral

Constitutional law expert Gohar Meloyan, a member of the Strong Armenia party, has warned against attempts to bar Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II from attending Georgian Patriarch Ilia II’s funeral. Below is her full statement released on Friday.

“My deepest condolences to my Georgian friends on the passing of His Holiness Ilia II, whose spiritual legacy transcends all borders. His earthly departure is a profound loss for the entire Christian world.

The relations between the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and the Georgian Orthodox Church have a centuries-old history. They have consistently been one of the key pillars of Armenian-Georgian brotherly ties, founded on mutual respect, shared Christian values, and a common historical experience.

These relations have often accompanied and strengthened the friendship between the two peoples, preserving a spirit of dialogue and cooperation even during the most challenging periods.

If His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, decides to attend the funeral ceremony of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II, such a visit would not only serve as an expression of respect and brotherhood, but also convey an important message aimed at further strengthening Armenian-Georgian ecclesiastical and interstate relations.

Any obstacle or impediment along this path could negatively affect the international standing of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, as well as harm the brotherly relations between Armenians and Georgians and the centuries-old ties established between the two Churches.”