During his sermon to celebrate Christmas, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II said the Armenian Apostolic Church continues to be subjected to repression.

“This situation is a serious blow to the reputation of our nation and state and a deep wound inflicted on communities and believers. Despite illegal and unruly actions, our Holy Church with its pious people is strong and unshakable, faithful to its divine calling and mission,” Catholicos Karekin II told those attending the church service at the Etchmiadzin Cathedral.

Catholicos Karekin II said the church has been subjected to many attacks throughout history, has gone through terrible hardships and sufferings, has been martyred and martyred, but has never become a prisoner of despair, for it has realized that true freedom and salvation lies in obedience to Christ.

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, who has demanded the removal of the Catholicos, attended Christmas services at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Yerevan.