Statement by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem

On the Case of Mr. Samvel Karapetyan: A Call for Mercy, Wisdom, and Unity

Jerusalem, June 20, 2025

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

By en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info

Source Link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/announcements/statement-by-his-beatitude-theophilos-iii-the-patriarch-of-jerusalem/