Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin: Thousands Gather as Catholicos Karekin II Warns of Threats to Armenia’s Unity and Urges Defense of Church, Nation, and Identity

On June 22, thousands of faithful from across Armenia and the diaspora gathered at the heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church to celebrate one of its most important spiritual holidays: the Feast of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin.

This day honors the founding of the cathedral — a site revealed in a vision to St. Gregory the Illuminator more than 1,700 years ago — which became the spiritual anchor of the Armenian people. The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan was present in Etchmiadzin to witness and cover this historic celebration.

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The day began with a Divine Liturgy at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, led by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and celebrated by Archbishop Haykazun Najarian, one of the Church’s most senior figures. The church grounds were filled with pilgrims, clergy, and dignitaries — including bishops from the Armenian Church’s worldwide dioceses, members of the monastic brotherhood, and representatives from the Armenian Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople.

As part of the holy celebration, sacred relics were presented for veneration, including the Holy Lance said to have pierced Christ’s side, the right hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator, and relics of revered saints like Sahak Partev and Gregory of Narek. These relics symbolize the unbreakable spiritual connection between Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenian people.

Following the liturgy, the "Blessing of Holy Etchmiadzin" took place in front of the cathedral’s iconic belfry. The faithful raised their voices in prayer, asking for strength, unity, and divine protection for Armenia and its people.

Catholicos Karekin II Delivers Urgent Message

In a powerful and emotional message delivered at the end of the Divine Liturgy, Catholicos Karekin II addressed the nation with both spiritual encouragement and a strong warning about the serious threats facing Armenia’s unity today.

Quoting the Apostle Paul — “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11) — His Holiness reminded the faithful that Holy Etchmiadzin is not just a physical place, but a sacred symbol of national identity and unity.

“There is no Holy Etchmiadzin without the Armenian people, and no Armenian people without Holy Etchmiadzin,” he said, echoing the historic words of Arakel of Tabriz.

He spoke openly about the increasing internal divisions within Armenia and criticized what he called an “anti-church campaign” by the current authorities — describing it as a direct threat to Armenian statehood and national stability.

In particular, he condemned the recent legal actions against national philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, who has been a key supporter of the Church. Karapetyan was recently detained under controversial circumstances.

“A country cannot be built through oppression,” the Catholicos warned. “Justice and harmony cannot be established in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.”

In his blessing, the Catholicos called on Armenians everywhere — both in Armenia and abroad — to stand firm in their faith, defend their national and religious heritage, and remain united in the face of external pressures and internal struggles.

“Holy Etchmiadzin will steadfastly continue defending national interests and rights, preserving the unity of our people, and uniting the Armenian nation to courageously confront the challenges facing our national and homeland life,” he said.

He also called for prayers for the people of Artsakh, for the safe return of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, and for the release of Samvel Karapetyan.

The celebration of the Feast of the Mother Cathedral was more than a religious ritual — it was a spiritual reaffirmation of Armenian identity and unity at a time when many feel the nation is at a crossroads.

The presence of pilgrims from around the world — including clergy, dignitaries, families, and young people — showed that despite political pressures and growing divisions, the soul of the Armenian Church remains strong.

As the Catholicos concluded:

“Let us pray for peace, for justice, and for a better future. Let us stand firm in faith, be courageous, and do everything in love.”

For the Armenian people, Holy Etchmiadzin continues to shine as a guiding light — a sacred home that links the past to the present, and offers hope for the future.

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