Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II issued a statement after the conclusion of a service at the Mother See, describing the charges brought against him and six senior clergymen as unfounded and unjust, RFE/RL reports.
“We have returned from the first hearing in the trial initiated on similarly unfounded and unjust charges against two archbishops and four bishops who are members of the Supreme Spiritual Council. We are full of faith and determination to defend our just rights. We place our trust in God, and our service is for our devout people across the world and our beloved country. We must remain steadfast and united and make persistent efforts so that injustices in our country cease, discrimination and intolerance end, and hate speech does not spread,” he said.
The Catholicos added that Armenian clergy would continue their mission despite all difficulties and obstacles.
The first court hearing in the case was held on Aug. 7 at the Armavir Court of First Instance but was interrupted shortly after it began after Judge Hakob Manukyan recused himself.
