Diocesan Council of Eastern Diocese of AAC in US calls for restraint  and national unity

ArmInfo.  The Primate and  Diocesan Council of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian  Apostolic Church in America have issued a statement on the events  unfolding in Armenia.  The statement reads as follows:

"We, the Primate and Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Armenian  Church of America (Eastern), are seriously concerned about the recent  events unfolding in Armenia, involving the escalating situation  between the State and the Church.

These two foundational institutions, together with the Armenian  Diaspora, are essential to our survival as Armenians.

We call for restraint and national unity. The Constitution of the  Republic of Armenia and its democratic process must be respected, as  should the self-governance, policies, and protocols of the global  Armenian Apostolic Church-protocols that have stood as consistent  pillars of the Armenian Church throughout its history.

At this critical moment for the Armenian nation-in a time of  geopolitical uncertainty, and in full view of the world-we need all  our national institutions to remain strong and able to play their  respective, vital roles. Our government must steer our young  democracy through the complexities of balancing security, reform, and  societal harmony. Our Church must continue to play its vital and  historic role in safeguarding our identity, heritage, and faith.

Any actions that might weaken either the State or the Church's  ability to fulfill its mission-including the recent arrests of  bishops and priests, and threats to the Catholicos of All  Armenians-also stand to weaken our nation, internally and on the  global stage.

At this time of opportunity and risk for our nation and people, it is  more important than ever for our national institutions to be built up  rather than torn down, so each can play its critical role in the  advancement of our nation. We should all rejoice that our nation is  free with its democratic process.  Likewise, the historic role of the  Church must be respected: the Church that has been the spiritual  guide for the Armenian people throughout the centuries, enduring  persecution, exile, and genocide.

In times such as these, our hope and strength rest in Christ and in  the unity of our Church. We turn to prayer, trusting that the Lord  will grant peace, healing, and wisdom to all His children. As the  psalmist proclaims: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will  deliver you, and you shall glorify Me" (Psalm 50:15).

We invite our clergy and faithful to remain steadfast in faith and  spirit, keeping the Mother See and His Holiness in their daily  prayers; asking God to guide our Church and our nation with  compassion and hope.  May the Lord preserve and protect His Holy  Church, strengthen the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the  Republic of Armenia, and fill our entire Armenian family with peace,  unity, and love."