Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia held a meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, during the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, where they addressed the future of Armenian–Russian church relations alongside pressing concerns for the Armenian people.
The two spiritual leaders, who have shared a close friendship for more than fifty years, discussed the further development of the historical ties between the Armenian and Russian churches. Both emphasized the importance of building upon long-standing cooperation that began during their youth, when they regularly participated together in inter-church meetings and worked closely on matters of common concern.
In addition to church relations, the meeting focused on urgent issues stemming from Azerbaijan’s occupation of Artsakh. Aram I and Patriarch Kirill raised concerns over the treatment of Armenian churches and cultural monuments by Azerbaijani authorities, as well as the continued imprisonment of Artsakh’s political and national leaders in Baku. They exchanged candid views on Armenia–Russia relations, the protection of Armenian heritage, and the plight of Armenian captives.
Catholicos Aram I stressed that the Armenian people would be profoundly grateful if Patriarch Kirill and Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened with Azerbaijani authorities to secure the preservation of Artsakh’s religious and historical–cultural sites and to ensure the immediate release of Armenian prisoners.
The international summit, held from September 16–18 in Astana under the theme “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future,” brought together spiritual leaders from more than sixty countries. Archbishop Mesrob Sarkissian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the surrounding region, was present alongside Catholicos Aram I during the meeting.
