Armenia’s largest charity throws support behind Catholicos Garegin II

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the world's largest and oldest Armenian charitable organisation, has expressed its support for Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, according to a statement published on the organisation's website.

In the statement, AGBU voiced deep concern over the criminal proceedings launched against the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church and six bishops, Caliber.Az reports.

The organisation called on the Armenian authorities to withdraw the charges, describing them as having “no basis” either in law or in historical tradition. AGBU also said it was prepared to act as a mediator in resolving the dispute if requested by the parties involved.

The union noted that Armenia's Constitution and national legislation recognize the Armenian Apostolic Church as the country's National Church, guarantee its right to self-governance and protect freedom of religion. Accordingly, AGBU argued that matters relating to the appointment and service of bishops should be resolved in accordance with canon law and the Church's internal procedures.

“AGBU respects Armenia’s democratically elected government, its political authority, and the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia. At the same time, AGBU remains steadfast in its respect for our Armenian Church and its leadership, as elected in accordance with Canon Law and ecclesiastical authority, and for the Church’s enduring role in preserving Armenian identity around the world,” the statement said.

Earlier, Armenia's Investigative Committee announced the opening of a criminal case after Garegin II stripped Bishop Gevorg Saroyan (secular name: Arman Saroyan), who had supported the Armenian government in its dispute with the Armenian Apostolic Church, of his clerical rank.

The case was opened under articles covering "Failure to comply with a court ruling or obstruction of its enforcement" and "Incitement to non-compliance with a court ruling."

According to the Investigative Committee, an Armenian court had prohibited the Armenian Apostolic Church from preventing Bishop Saroyan from carrying out his duties as head of the Masyatsotn Diocese. In addition to Garegin II, six members of the Supreme Spiritual Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church are also named in the case.

By Jeyhun Aghazada