The Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Proposes the Establishment of a Synodal Structure

The Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, Archbishop Sahak II Mashalyan, proposes the
creation of a synodal structure as a way out of the crisis in church-government relations.
According to the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, he made this statement in his
address at the opening session of the Episcopal Assembly convened in Vienna.

“During the opening session of the recent Episcopal Assembly held in Vienna, the heads
of the hierarchical sees participated via video messages and conveyed their words of
blessing to the assembled bishops. As the gathering had effectively assumed the nature of
a consultative meeting, His Holiness Sahak II, Armenian Patriarch of Turkey, delivered the
following message, presenting two proposals for the consideration of the assembled
Fathers and His Holiness the Catholicos. The Patriarch expressed certain observations
regarding the present situation and his views on overcoming the crisis: to establish a
synodal system aimed at strengthening the positions of the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and His Holiness the Catholicos, and to set a date for convening the National
Ecclesiastical Assembly.
The following remarks were addressed to the assembled bishops as an internal matter for
consultation. In order to prevent partial circulation on social media, the full text of the
address of His Holiness the Patriarch is published below.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS SAHAK II, PATRIARCH
To the Episcopal Assembly
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
His Holiness Archbishop Nourhan, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem,
Your Eminences, Holy Brothers,
On the occasion of the Episcopal Assembly in Vienna, I extend my greetings for your
presence and wish you blessings and success during the forthcoming sessions.
The very fact that this assembly is being held abroad, outside the Mother See, points to an
issue that for nearly a year has troubled and unsettled the Armenian world, beginning with
the confrontation between the authorities of Armenia and the Mother See. Although
originally intended as a Bishops’ Synod, in the absence of the bishops of Armenia, His
Holiness the Catholicos, and the Patriarchs, it has naturally become a gathering of bishops
of a consultative nature. Nevertheless, this does not preclude the possibility that an
authoritative voice may arise from this meeting regarding the current circumstances.
From the outset, we, the Patriarchate of Constantinople, viewed this undesirable situation
as a reflection of internal political tensions in Armenia and the approach of political
elections. This anti-Catholicos political campaign, more clearly visible from the Diaspora,
prompted us together with nearly all Diasporan churches to call for ecclesiastical unity and
support for His Holiness the Catholicos. In these turbulent and crisis-laden circumstances,
we deemed it essential to preserve ecclesiastical discipline within the hierarchical ranks,
avoiding panic and maintaining composure. In particular, we defended the position and

inviolability of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, until the internal
political situation in Armenia becomes clarified through elections. We have consistently
maintained that the only unquestionable pan-Armenian ecclesiastical body competent to
address the status of the Catholicos is the National Ecclesiastical Assembly.
The issue is serious and continues to deepen. Oppositional priests and bishops have
made public appearances, and some. despite having been defrocked, continue to perform
their duties with state support. We have bishops under detention on the grounds of
engaging in active political activity. In the face of all this, the Diaspora has largely found
itself in the position of observer and in a state of confusion. The two sacred institutions of
the Armenian nation, the Church and the State, which are called to walk together along the
paths of Armenian history for the good of the nation, are today engaging in actions that
weaken and erode one another. Provocative actions and statements on both sides are
widening the trenches and rendering relations increasingly untenable. In these days more
than ever, the Mother See requires heavenly wisdom.
We have a modest opinion and a middle-ground proposal which I would like to share with
this esteemed assembly and submit to the attention of His Holiness. Undoubtedly, similar
ideas may already be voiced during this gathering.
In this period of turmoil, the Supreme Spiritual Council has unfortunately lost much of its
credibility. Decisions taken hastily and under agitation have further deepened the conflict
and led to an impasse. Such was the case with the decision regarding Bishop Gevorg. It
would have been more appropriate to await this assembly of bishops and address the
status of Bishop Gevorg and the other oppositional hierarchs here. At this juncture, His
Holiness requires the support of an authoritative synodal body capable of instilling
prudence and calm deliberation namely, a synodal structure that would also include certain
oppositional brethren. Such a synodal arrangement could prepare the ground for seeking
and finding solutions with the government. His Holiness has long considered establishing
such a structure; I know this personally, though the idea has never been implemented.
This Episcopal Assembly could elect twelve senior bishops to assist His Holiness in the
governance of the Mother See during this period.
If the Mother See does not undertake this administrative reform, I fear that under the
current composition of the Supreme Spiritual Council, the authority of His Holiness may
undesirably weaken. For reconciliation with the authorities and as a transitional
arrangement until the convening of the National Ecclesiastical Assembly, a synodal
structure could serve as an interim solution.
My second proposal is that this Assembly of Bishops should determine a date for the
much-needed National Ecclesiastical Assembly and establish an organizing committee.
Such a step could contribute to the calming of certain passions.
I wish His Holiness patience and serenity of mind and heart. The collective wisdom
expressed in such assemblies is invaluable for analyzing problems and finding solutions
for the benefit of our Church. I am confident that this Episcopal Assembly will likewise bear
blessed results.
With my best wishes for the success of your good work, I extend my sincere regards to
you all.