News - Gathering at the Mother See. Summary

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Later, the Aragatsotn Diocese announced that the unified liturgy planned for the Church of Saint John in Byurakan would be moved and held at the Mother See. Key events of the gathering — summarized. There were large police forces at the Mother See. Police Chief Aram Ghazaryan noted that they were there to respond to clashes and that, "The Mother See belongs to all of us." The gathering was also attended by Narek Karapetyan, the younger brother of imprisoned businessman Samvel Karapetyan, the organizer of the "Our Way" movement. He argued that Pashinyan wants to show the world that he is not fighting the church. He noted that the authorities have "compromises" against senior clerics who are calling for the Catholicos to step down. Arman Tatoyan, leader of the political initiative "Wings of Unity" and former Ombudsman, also expressed confidence that the prime minister stands behind the bishops’ gathering. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, answering questions from reporters, said that he does not direct the bishops’ actions, but he welcomes and supports them. The prime minister considers the bishops’ invitation legitimate. When asked whether he would also participate in the gathering, the prime minister said he does not have such a decision and does not see the need. Catholicos Garegin II attended the liturgy. His speech was accompanied by boos and shouts from the courtyard. In his speech the catholicos said that the current problems should be resolved within canonical order. He urged the holy fathers to return to canonical norms, noting that, "Another encroachment on Saint Echmiadzin occurred today, unfortunately also through some of our churchmen." The gathering ended with ten bishops informing the assembled that they had submitted a letter to the secretary demanding the resignation of His Holiness. "Our mission at this moment is finished. 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Other Democrats voiced concerns about the US-India relationship, particularly… Moscow is committed to normalizing relations with Tbilisi A senior representative of Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Moscow is "committed" to normalizing relations with Georgia, praising the ruling Georgian Dream party’s foreign policy as "balanced and multipolar." An OC Media translation of the article below. Kalugin spoke mainly about the South Caucasus countries’ relations with Russia, including how the media describes the "west’s growing attempts to strengthen positions in the region." "Russia’s interests in the South Caucasus are unchanged," he said, adding that Russia is not only a neighbor but an "and indeed a trans-Caucasian state" itself. LIVE. Gathering at the Mother See: Ten bishops demand the resignation of the Catholicos The Prime Minister has welcomed the Deputy Secretary General of NATO Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has welcomed NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska. According to the government’s press service, the talks covered issues related to Armenia–NATO partnership and cooperation development. The prime minister noted Armenia’s importance of international partners, including NATO, in advancing security and stability in the region. The Deputy Secretary General highly praised the Armenia–NATO partnership and thanked the prime minister for hosting recently accredited NATO ambassadors and for the productive discussions. They also discussed the Washington Declaration signed on August 8 and the events that followed, as well as ideas for resuming regional dialogue. Pashinyan wants a "pocket pope". Garik Danielyan In CivilNet’s studio, Member of Parliament Garnik Danielyan of the "Armenia" faction comments on the tense situation around the Mother See and the call by a group of bishops for Garegin II’s resignation. The deputy argues that these clergy act under direct government influence and pressure, aiming to subdue the Armenian Apostolic Church. He explains why he will personally be at the Mother See and what risks he sees in a government plan to install a "pocket pope." 0:00 — Intro: what to expect today at the Mother See 2:10 — "This is an attack on the Mother See" 4:54 — The motives behind the bishops’ actions 5:42 — What the opposition will do in Echmiadzin 8:12 — … Civilitas Foundation The Civilitas Foundation aims to support Armenia’s statehood strengthening and the efforts toward the welfare of its people, the full realization of the rights and duties of Armenian citizens. The Civilitas Foundation was established in 2008. Copyright CivilNet prohibits using its articles and photographs without proper attribution, downloading and uploading its videos on other online platforms. Partial use of CivilNet videos is allowed only with CivilNet’s authorization. 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