News - We will remember the names of our Patriarch and diocesan bishop Mikayel Ajapahyan. Clergy of the Shirak Diocese.

The clergy of the Shirak Diocese have issued a statement expressing their support for the Supreme Catholicos of All Armenians. The statement notes that during the liturgy the clergy will not deviate from the canons, and they will mention the names of Karekin II and the diocesan bishop Archbishop Mikayel Ajap’yan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will participate in the liturgy tomorrow, December 7, at the Church of the Seven Wounds in Gyumri. We present below the declaration of 29 clergy. We, the undersigned members of the Shirak Diocese clergy, announce that now and always, in keeping with our calling, we will offer a liturgy that is faithful to the canons and performed without deviation, and with our fidelity to the Most Holy See of Echmiadzin and its rightful throne, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Catholicos, we will recall the names of our Father in faith and our diocesan head His Eminence Archbishop Mikayel Ajap’yan. For the information of our faithful people we declare that if, apart from our diocese's clergy, anyone else performs a liturgy in one of Shirak Diocese churches, and in particular in the Church of the Seven Wounds, it will signify that the throne of the bishop is occupied by force, thereby obstructing the lawful activity of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the performance by an authorized clergyman of the Holy Liturgy, thus undermining the spiritual needs of the faithful. The Church of the Seven Wounds has withstood two Turkish occupations; this, too, shall be overcome with honor.