Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem expressed strong support for Samvel Karapetyan, a prominent businessman who recently came into conflict with the Armenian authorities at his home in Yerevan.
According to armenianweekly.com, the authorities’ intervention occurred just hours after Karapetyan publicly voiced his support for the Armenian Apostolic Church and criticized the Armenian government’s stance toward it.
The Patriarch highlighted Karapetyan’s important contributions to the spiritual and communal life of Christians both in Armenia and abroad.
He offered prayers for Karapetyan and his family, as well as for the Armenian Church, calling for mercy, wisdom, and unity during these challenging times.
Furthermore, Patriarch Theophilos encouraged open dialogue and humility under the leadership of Catholicos Karekin II, hoping that the Armenian Church will continue to uphold its faith and dignity amidst ongoing trials.
Read here the full message:
With a spirit of pastoral reflection, we have followed with sincere concern the decision of the Armenian Criminal Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan regarding Mr. Samvel Karapetyan, a faithful steward of the Armenian Orthodox Church and a benefactor whose contributions have fortified the spiritual and communal life of countless Orthodox faithful, both in Armenia and beyond.
We offer our prayers for Mr. Karapetyan and his family, and for the Armenian Church he so faithfully served. “The Lord sees not as man sees… the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). It is this divine vision of mercy, truth, and love that must guide us all.
We encourage a spirit of dialogue and wisdom, trusting that under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Karekin II, the enduring strength of the Armenian Church and her faithful will continue to shine through adversity with dignity, humility, and steadfast faith.
Theophilos III
Patriarch of Jerusalem
