The Meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council Concluded
10.06.2023
From June 5 to 8, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, the regular meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council (SSC) was convened in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The Chairman was His Eminence Archbishop Sahak Mashalyan, Primate of the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople and His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderyan, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America was the chairman of the meeting sessions. Gevorg Danielyan, Doctor of Legal Sciences and member of the SSC and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh Sergey Ghazaryan presented a report on the situation in Armenia and Artsakh.
The reports referred to the disastrous developments around Armenia and Artsakh, in particular the danger of genocide threatening the people of Artsakh as a result of the blockade and the encroachments on the sovereign territories of Armenia. The challenges, social disunity and polarization within the country were also touched upon with concern.
The Supreme Spiritual Council noted with deep concern the difficult situation created in the country's life. They emphasized that the authorities of Armenia should refrain from actions that violate the dignity of the nation and oppose the humiliating ambitions and demands of foreign enemies with realistic and exclusively pro-Armenian positions, resolutely defending the non-negotiable right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination.
The SSC expressed its support to the people and authorities of Artsakh, noting also that the just right of the people of Artsakh to live freely and independently will find protection in all national frameworks. The SSC meeting members emphasized that every effort should be made to strengthen the spirit of unity of the people and create an atmosphere of solidarity.
Rev. Fr. Markos Mangasaryan, Director of the Social Department of the Mother See made a report regarding the social assistance addressed to Artsakh. Father Markos privately emphasized that with the urging and efforts of the Patriarch of All Armenians, and with the active participation of the world-wide dioceses of the Mother See, 360 tons of humanitarian aid was provided to the besieged Artsakh. The support provided will be ongoing.
The meeting members, reflecting with concern on the ongoing humanitarian crisis situation as a result of the Azerbaijani blockade, suggested the need to expand social support programs.
A report was made by His Eminence Archbishop Vasken Mirzakhanyan, Director of the Ecclesiastical Conceptual Issues Office of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, on the teaching and educational issues of the subject "History of the Armenian Church" in public schools, informing that the subject is completely removed from the educational program with the introduction of the new state standard of General Education in RA at the initiative of the government.
During the discussions, the SSC, reaffirming its position, considered it inadmissible to remove the subject from the general education program, emphasizing that it is an important factor in the mission of raising and educating generations. In this context, a reference was made to the growing number of serious crimes accompanied by violence and drug addiction, especially among minors. It was considered vital that the authorities take practical and effective steps to fight against the mentioned phenomena, as well as in society, especially in educational institutions, to value the feat of our martyred Armenians who fought for the homeland, so that the spirit of patriotism of the nation's children does not weaken.
His Eminence Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See made reports on the renovation and strengthening works of the Mother Cathedral, the Blessing of the Holy Muron Service and the organization of related events.
As a result of the discussions, the Supreme Spiritual Council, taking into account the circumstances of the expansion of the scope of the Mother Cathedral overhaul works and the time-consuming nature of the ongoing works, decided:
- To postpone the re-consecration ceremony of the Mother Cathedral until the complete completion of the major repair works,
- To organize the Blessing ceremony of Holy Muton on October 1 of this year,
- The Episcopal ordination on October 8.
The meeting also reflected on the issue of long-term leased estates of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and it was noted that the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is in contact with the Patriarchate and closely follows the ongoing developments.
During the four-day meeting, other issues related to the activity of the Church's Hierarchical Sees and dioceses, and the effectiveness of the Church's mission were also discussed.
The meeting was concluded with the blessing remarks and gratitide of the Patriarch of All Armenians.
