Aram I calls for putting end to destructive atmosphere in Armenia 

ArmInfo.  Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I called for an end to the destructive atmosphere created in the life of Armenia, calling what is happening a disgrace.  His statement was published on the Catholicosate's Facebook account.

"This is a disgrace, a thousand disgraces, the current unhealthy and anti-national atmosphere created in the life of our beloved  Motherland, Armenia. Unfortunately, the words of the Armenian  language are not enough to describe my pain and indignation.  Particularly deeply shameful and reprehensible to me is the  atmosphere that has developed recently in two structures of our state engaged in nation-building and patriotism - Holy Etchmiadzin and the National Assembly," Aram I emphasized.

At the same time, he noted that in the life of any nation, church or organization there can be mistakes, omissions, polarization,  confrontation. However, according to him, they need to be discussed within the framework of special procedures and in a calm environment so that adequate solutions can be found.

"Unfortunately, I have not been to my homeland for about six years. In recent days, I have been thinking a lot about coming to Armenia and helping to minimize the storm that has flared up. However, the unfounded and constant statements in the National Assembly, on social networks and other sources that distort our moral, spiritual and national values, as well as the ongoing arrests do not encourage me to direct my steps towards the homeland.

However, I always remain committed to the idea of returning to the homeland to Garegin II at any time. To consult with the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and other responsible persons in order to find effective solutions for Armenia to get out of the current difficult situation," concluded  Aram I.

We remind you that on June 27, security forces entered the territory of the Catholicos's residence in order to arrest the head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan.  Mother See of Etchmiadzin. These actions of law enforcement officers have caused a wide public resonance.

Today, the Armenian Prime Minister, as part of his anti-church  campaign launched at the end of May this year, announced his  readiness to lead the process of removing the Catholicos of all  Armenians from the throne. On July 7, information began to circulate in the Armenian media that in the near future, security forces would launch another attack on the Armenian Apostolic Church.