SDHP STATEMENT: The Spiritual and Administrative Structure of the Holy See of Etchmiadzin Requires Fundamental Revision

The Social Democrat Hunchakian Party continues to follow with deep concern the developments taking place within and around the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin—developments that undoubtedly disturb the soul of every Armenian, regardless of religious affiliation.

It is undeniable that the principal cause of the current crisis is political and began at the moment when Catholicos Karekin II joined the call for the Prime Minister’s resignation. Moreover, following several failed attempts by the opposition to initiate a change of power, certain high-ranking clerics of the Mother See effectively assumed leadership of that process, thereby drawing the Church into the vortex of political struggle. Such a step, undoubtedly, could not have been taken without the direct consent and blessing of the occupant of the throne of Etchmiadzin.

During this period, various revelations and allegations concerning a number of clergymen of the Mother See began to surface, which to this day have not received clear and convincing confirmation, denial, or appropriate handling by the Mother See. All of this leads us to believe that within the administrative system of the Holy See of Etchmiadzin there prevails a reality consistent with the modus operandi of previous authorities—one marked by a lack of transparent accountability, the circumvention of laws, and the application of personal preferences.

The Armenian Apostolic Church is a national institution and, as the spiritual image of our people, it is unacceptable for its firmament to be clouded by dark clouds of suspicion and mystery. For decades, we have struggled to defend the primacy of the Mother See, and it is a source of profound pain for us to witness these troubling developments unfolding around the Church.

The spiritual and administrative structure of Holy Etchmiadzin is in need of fundamental revision. In this regard, we welcome the recent statement issued by a group of bishops with the aim of overcoming the current situation, and we join in their appeal addressed to the Catholicos.

Today, the Armenian Apostolic Church stands before the imperative of self-purification and reform.

Central Committee of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party
December 9, 2025