ANTELIAS, Lebanon (News.am)—Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I issued a statement on Monday, August 15, referring to the recent developments in Yerevan. The statement can be read below.
“It is with great sorrow and indignation that we watched the recent events in Armenia. Considering that it is the first occasion of issuing my precept to our people […] I’d like to express some of my concerns and also make certain reminders.
First of all, I’d like to stress that the Diaspora cannot be in the passive state of a mere listener and observer in issues of concern and challenges to Armenia and Artsakh. No. The Diaspora has a say and work to carry out.
On the eve of its 25th anniversary of independence, Armenia faces serious challenges. Therefore, it is necessary to be sensible, realistic and vigilant, keeping away from the failure to notice the past and positions of seeing everything in pink and unrealistic colors.
If decay becomes a usual phenomenon, people’s indignation rises and the migration continues at the same rate, the foundations of Armenia’s statehood may become shattered.
If the internal unity of our people, which is the guarantor of our nation’s and homeland’s strength, weakens, the mutual confidence between the people and authorities will decline, and Armenia may face unforeseeable and insurmountable troubles.
The moment of self-criticism has come, and this should be done in a sincere and realistic manner. It is time to make practical steps today for tomorrow will be late.
We have no right to keep the people stuck in the silt of poverty: The economic crisis will become a source of any kind of evil.
We have no right to make Armenia a country which sways in the waves of disorder: Armenia is a state with its Constitution and laws.
We have no right to have murky and ambiguous positions on the issue of Artsakh, which regained its independence at the expense of great sacrifice: This can endanger the independence of Artsakh.
The geopolitical changes taking place in the Middle East and Caucasus and new formations of interstate interests, which can be harmful to Armenia and Artsakh, must be looked upon and assessed properly, adopting relevant position, combining our diplomacy with the strong spirit and firm will of our people.
The pains of our homeland and people must be diagnosed correctly and quickly. And instead of merely removing the syndromes, we should have wisdom and courage to heal our wounds and console our pains by joint efforts.
We should refrain from any kind of violence and polarization, regardless of their motives. It is totally unacceptable for the blood of an Armenian to be shed in Yerevan. Armenian’s blood can be shed only on the holy path of defending Armenia and Artsakh.
We should keep away from a diverging mentality and actions between Armenia and Diaspora, as well as people and authorities. We are one nation with a single homeland, single past, present and future.
It is only with deep recognition and full commitment that we can strengthen our homeland. Armenia, Artsakh and Armenian community are beyond anything. This shouldn’t become a mere motto, but a guiding principle in the life of every Armenian and the entire Armenian nation.”
How can you reason with Armenians wanting to leave Armenia when Armenians in war torn Aleppo would rather endure the bombings than emigrate to Armenia?
It is all good and well what is being said. Time to act though and do away with the nice speeches and proclamations. Many can give nice and appropriate speeches and words, what and when concrete action will be planed, taken and implemented. Bottom line is that the few who control the Armenian government have managed to marginalize and divide any opposition that can bring a meaningful and serious force against the few who have empowered themselves with to act without any re precautions or accountability to anyone, your basic regular street Thugs.
Thanks Vehapar Aram the First, I appreciate your statement very much. God bless your mission. I hope, wish and pray that the leaders will listen and take actions.
Great, beautiful strong words of inspiration to be translated, implemented as a reality by a great strong leadership which we don’t see and unfortunately we’ve lost faith in the present one in the office which is supposed to be the heart of the nation. Echmiadzin, “Soul of the nation” which could be an effective inspirational player, a complement to Aram I’s dream, is totally absent, as if does not exist except just as an expensive and extensive colorful formality, just ceremonial. And Diaspora, it seems divided geografically and organizationally as a power so far, just a charity.
On the other hand internationally we are not observed but as a second degree ignored ghetto state in the dynamically expanding Putin’s Russian Empire whom we were supposed to be a strategic partner.
So, with all respect due, does Aram I one know what he is talking about? If yes please let him tell us. Otherwise it’s too late already for rhetorics. Amen
ANTELIAS, Lebanon To: Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I .
Frustration of our Nation.
.Dear Catholicos I like your finger ……Thank you for your courageous Pastoral Massage.
In April we lost more than 100 of our brave sons and we continue to lose one or two our brave sons on daily or weekly basis and not only nobody cares but also they shake the enemy’s hands , and sit with him around a table , who not only wants Stepanakert, but Yerevan. Unfortunately ,Our leaders, and our parties’ attitude make them more Bully?
Dear Catholicos Please be a messenger and pass your practical patriotic massage to Holly Echmiadzin and all the responsible Flip-Flop political parties who are now only struggling for opportunity and flirting with careless authorities.
I assure you as an Armenian retiree like all my nation’s sons and daughters I am ready to go and defend our holly homeland .
Dear Catholicos you talked about criticism? Armenian never, ever accept criticism ?
Even maybe now Asbarez is not going to publish my comments?
USA.
The real issue is the current political leaders and system of Armenia which tries to balance it absolute grip of power with its desire to “help the country” all the while amassing massive fortunes for themselves and friends only, at the cost of everyone and everything else. An impossible leadership task leading to loss and failure of the entire system.. UNITY IS THE ANSWER. ONE ARMENIA.
I think His Holiness is absolutely right, but many times I get the feeling that the Armenian Government doesn’t want the Diaspora to help or meddle in the country’s affairs. So what does one do in that case?
What do you do? You come here, like I did from SF, and you get to work.
Good reminders. Stamping out internal corruption should have been mentioned as well. Not to mention getting away from an unwarranted alligence to Turk-Loving Russian politicians by the current Soviet Era leadership in Armenia.
Bravooooo!A real armenian!
It is time for Armenia to grant full citizenship to any Armenian in the diaspora that can prove his or her Armenian decent. This will serve as a bond to the Armenian homeland. It will also foster greater outside business investment which will increase jobs in Armenia. Presently, Armenians graduating from Armenian colleges are leaving because there are no opportunities available in Armenia. This will eventually cause a “brain drain” and other countries will benefit instead of Armenia. Armenia needs to train its students in technology so as to provide technological assistance to international companies.
the country is brain drained already!!!!where have you been!!!!!in fact Armenia is drained of its all possible resources!!!! the only thing left is the land the local authorities are selling that too!!!!
Wait a minute, wasn’t Aram I the very same person who accepted half a million dollars from Dodi Gago, a man who stole tens of millions from the state and people. What kind of a message can this Catholicos say with that money in his pocket?
Centuries ago, donors and builders of Armenian churches and manuscripts prided in dedicatory inscriptions and colophons of donations they made with their honest means, but I guess that matters neither to donors or the church these days…