Rally in support of Armenian Apostolic Church held in Russia

A rally in support of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II was held in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, local media reported on Monday.

Harutyun Terteryan, head of the Holy Cross Church, said the Armenian diaspora was closely following developments in Armenia, which he described as pressure on the church. He emphasized the importance of supporting believers during this period.

“The rally in defense of the Armenian Apostolic Church was successful. It is especially significant that it took place on Palm Sunday,” Terteryan said, estimating attendance at no fewer than 1,500 people.

He added that recent events in Armenia, including the detention of four archbishops, could “only be described as persecution by the authorities,” though no political slogans were voiced at the gathering.

Local lawmakers, clergy and artistic groups addressed the crowd, expressing support for the Armenian people and followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Terteryan said.