On September 18, His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, met with a delegation from the World Council of Churches (WCC), led by its General Secretary Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director of the Eastern Diocese, and Vice Moderator of the WCC’s Central Committee.
In welcoming remarks, Catholicos Karekin II expressed appreciation the WCC for its efforts and strong statements in support of the rights of Artsakh’s Armenians, as well as their recent urgent call to international authorities to intervene in ending the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, and to provide humanitarian aid to Artsakh.
His Holiness spoke to the WCC delegates about Azeri encroachments into Armenia and Artsakh, the humanitarian crisis created by the blockade, and Azerbaijan’s recalcitrance in observing verdicts issued by international courts. He also detailed the ongoing destruction of Armenian spiritual and cultural monuments in the Azeri-controlled territories of Artsakh.
Additionally, the Catholicos gratefully acknowledged the support of the international community in securing the return of Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan, and in the identification of the missing and dead.
Archbishop Aykazian outlined the Armenian Church’s efforts to establish peace, settle refugees, provide relief, and contribute to the tripartite meetings of regional religious leaders.
Dr. Pillay emphasized that the delegation’s visit to Armenia aimed at assessing the situation in the region. He conveyed the World Council’s readiness to contribute to the peaceful settlement of the Artsakh situation.