Supreme Spiritual Council of Echmiadzin Responds to Patriarch of Jerusalem

“We express our concern over the letter addressed to the Catholicos of All Armenians in the name of the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, which was circulated some days ago on the Internet.

The Supreme Spiritual Council considers unacceptable the behavior adopted by Archbishop Nourhan Manougian. Through vocabulary and style unsuitable for a clergyman, he tarnishes the lofty position of patriarch, striking a blow at the prestige of the Armenian Church and spiritual authority. He attempts to discredit the Catholicos of All Armenians, the members of the Ecclesiastical Representative Assembly and those of the rank of bishop. It is unfortunate that fabricated accusations are placed into circulation by the Patriarch, especially about the Catholicosate transforming the Patriarchate of Jerusalem into a diocese.

The Supreme Spiritual Council exhorts Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, at the threshold of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, to consider with the sound judgment expected of his lofty patriarchal status, the oath of faithfulness to the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin and to the Patriarch of All Armenians, which he took in front of the Holy Altar of Descent, beginning the realization of his mission.

“Be an example for the faithful through your words, behavior, love, faith and purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 )

The Supreme Spiritual Council expresses its high praise and support of the St. James Brotherhood for its dedicated service, exhorting it to continue in the same zealous manner to defend the rights of Armenians to the Holy Lands for the splendor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Holy Apostolic Church of Armenia.