Catholicos of All Armenians: Church autonomy has always been one of  the keys to the state`s stability

ArmInfo. The autonomy of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) has always been one of the keys to the state's strength, as stated by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II at the Mother See of Etchmiadzin following the first court hearing in Etchmiadzin,  cancelled due to the judge's recusal.

The Catholicos recalled that the authorities and power structures are  attempting to damage the reputation of the AAC, limit its autonomy,  and exploit the Church for their own ends. "However, the autonomy of  the Church has always been one of the keys to strengthening the  state. We note with regret that our Holy Church and clergy are being  persecuted by the authorities. Unlawful criminal cases have been  brought against church leaders and national benefactors, leading to  arrest and restrictions of freedom. A short while ago, we returned  from the first court session, which did not take place due to the  judge's recusal. However, we are full of faith and determination to  defend our fair rights, which are guaranteed both by the Constitution  of Armenia and the principles of international law.  With this  responsibility, we will continue to fulfill our mission, despite all  difficulties and prohibitions," Karekin II noted.

He expressed gratitude to all those in Armenia and the Diaspora,  national and public organizations, lawyers, and various individuals  who, under these circumstances, persistently express their support  for the Mother See of Etchmiadzin and its mission. "We must work  together to stop the lawlessness that is taking place in our  country—discrimination, intolerance, and hate speech. We must ensure  that law, truth, and justice prevail in our lives, that the  centuries-old order and traditions of the Church are respected, and  that the feelings of believers are not hurt. We must not succumb to  provocations and remain strong in our faith and hope. We believe that  the Holy Church, thanks to the devotion and love of its people, will  overcome all these difficulties and achieve new successes on the path  to its mission," the Catholicos of All Armenians concluded.

Recall, the first hearing in the case of Catholicos of All Armenians  Karekin II and six bishops —members of the Supreme Spiritual  Council—was scheduled to take place on August 7 at 4:00 PM.  However,  Judge Hakob Manukyan, who was scheduled to preside over the hearing,  recused himself.  Consequently, the hearing was postponed. After  this, the Catholicos of All Armenians, together with the citizens who  had come to the court to support His Holiness, headed to the Mother  See of Etchmiadzin.