Armenian Apostolic Church Accuses Greek Orthodox and Catholic Authorities of Marginalizing Armenians at the Birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem

The Armenian Apostolic Church has expressed strong objections to recent developments regarding the restoration of the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, citing repeated exclusion from official announcements and site inspections.

The Grotto of the Nativity, one of Christianity’s most sacred sites, is jointly administered by three communities under the centuries-old Status Quo arrangement: the Greek Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the Roman Catholic Custody of the Holy Land (Franciscans). This arrangement requires equal rights and participation in all decisions, including restoration, maintenance, and public communication.

Armenian leaders say that recent actions by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Franciscan Custody undermine this balance. On January 24, 2026, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Custody issued a joint statement announcing plans for the restoration of the Grotto. Armenians were only mentioned as “cooperative” partners and were not included as formal signatories. According to the Armenian Patriarchate, this is not a mere oversight but a deliberate political message that diminishes their role as equal custodians.

On February 17, 2026, the Custody published a report of a site inspection described as a “tripartite verification visit.” Yet photos, visit details, and public statements excluded Armenian representatives, even while the text claimed three-party cooperation. The Armenian Church described this contradiction as further evidence of systemic marginalization.

“At a Status Quo holy place, you cannot proclaim ‘common accord’ while acting bilaterally,” the Armenian Patriarchate stated. “Mentioning Armenians in text while excluding them in practice is minimisation—plain and simple.” Church officials warn that repeated exclusion could set a precedent that may erode Armenian rights at the site over time, including access, decision-making authority, and custodial responsibilities.

The Armenian Apostolic Church is demanding immediate corrective measures:

All future communiqués and announcements regarding the Nativity Grotto must be tripartite, not bilateral.

No official visits, inspections, or public briefings should occur without Armenian participation.

Public narratives must reflect Armenians as full custodians, not merely “helpers” or “cooperators.”

Experts on Holy Land governance note that undermining the Status Quo not only affects Armenians but also threatens the stability and governance of the entire system of shared holy sites. The Grotto of the Nativity, revered worldwide as the birthplace of Jesus, relies on careful balance and respect among custodial communities.

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