Unity in Faith:
Reflections on Ecumenism and Solidarity
Your Eminence, Cardinal Fitzgerald, Reverend Fathers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a profound honour to join you this evening as we celebrate the feast of St Nicholas of Myra. St Nicholas, known for his compassion, generosity, and commitment to help those in need, epitomises the virtues of Christian love and charity. He is a fitting patron for tonight’s reflections on ecumenism, a theme that lies at the very heart of the Church’s mission. I am deeply grateful for the invitation to this gathering, where I will share insights on Armenian-Catholic relations, the ongoing conflict in Artsakh, and the plight of Christians in the region.
Let us begin by recalling the words of the 12th-century Armenian Patriarch Nerses Shnorhali, who, in his ecumenical dialogue with the Byzantine Church, invoked St Augustine’s teaching: “Unity in essentials, diversity in secondary things, and love in everything.” These words serve as a timeless guide for all Christian relationships. They remind us that, despite our differences, our faith must be built on love and our commitment to unity.
I come from the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. As part of the wider Christian family, we actively engage in the ecumenical movement. While our theological and liturgical traditions may differ, our shared mission to proclaim the Gospel unites us.
The relationship with both Catholic Church and Armenian Catholic Church is particularly significant. Beyond theological dialogue, it is a relationship of shared history, suffering, and witness. For example, the Armenian Catholics, though small in number, have been a faithful witness to the Gospel, even in the face of extraordinary challenges.
One such challenge is exemplified in the life of Archbishop Ignatius Maloyan, martyred during the Armenian Genocide. Arrested and tortured for refusing to renounce his faith, Archbishop Maloyan’s steadfastness encouraged his community to hold firm in the face of persecution. His life remains a powerful reminder of the unity that binds us as Christians and the cost of that witness.
Ecumenism is not simply an abstract or academic pursuit; it is deeply personal. I recall vividly the visit of Pope John Paul II to Armenia in 2001. At Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial, he stood alongside Catholicos Karekin II, and together they prayed for the victims of the genocide.
It was a profoundly moving moment, made unforgettable by the haunting performance of “Ave Maria” by Charles Aznavour.
Later, as a bishop, I had the privilege of attending meetings between Catholicos Karekin II and Pope Francis. These encounters were marked by mutual respect and a shared desire for unity. I witnessed Pope Francis’s courageous acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide as the first genocide of the 20th century and his proclamation of St Gregory of Narek as a Doctor of the Universal Church. St Gregory, a saint deeply cherished by Armenians, has become a bridge of spiritual connection between our churches.
Ecumenism, at its core, is about hope. Hope that one day, the Body of Christ will be united, sharing in the same Eucharist. This hope sustains us and inspires those Christians who suffer persecution in the Middle East and beyond. They know they are not alone—that their brothers and sisters are praying and acting on their behalf.
As we gather tonight, we must turn our attention to the dire situation in Artsakh known as Nagorno Kharabakh. Over 120,000 Armenians have been forcibly displaced from their ancestral homeland after the wars of Autumn of 2020 and September 2023. This region, rich in Armenian cultural and Christian heritage, has endured unimaginable devastation. Churches, monasteries, and khachkars—the unique cross-stones of Armenian identity—are being destroyed or appropriated in an attempt to erase Armenian, thus, Christian presence from the region.
This cultural destruction is not just a tragedy for Armenians; it is a loss for all Christians and humanity. Artsakh’s heritage is a vital part of the world’s spiritual and cultural patrimony, and its erasure is an insult to all who value history and faith.
Compounding this is the plight of Armenian hostages held in Azerbaijani captivity. Among them is Ruben Vardanyan, a philanthropist and former State Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh. Arrested while attempting to cross into Armenia, Vardanyan has been charged with offences such as financing terrorism—charges that are baseless. Experts suggest these accusations are part of a broader strategy by Azerbaijan to legitimise its ethnic cleansing in Artsakh and pave the way for future aggression against Armenia.
Vardanyan’s detention conditions have been harsh, involving mistreatment and sleep deprivation. In April 2024, he undertook a hunger strike to protest these inhumane conditions, ending it only at his family’s urging due to his declining health. His suffering underscores the human cost of this conflict and the targeting of individuals for their faith and identity.
In November, we held a prayer service for the release of hostages, aligning our plea with the global attention of COP29. As Christmas approaches, we will once again lift our voices in prayer for their freedom and for the comfort of their families.
Beyond Artsakh, Armenia itself faces existential threats. Aggression along its borders and efforts to isolate it on the international stage jeopardise its sovereignty and security. The world must not remain silent in the face of such injustice.
This silence reminds me of the ongoing challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East, particularly in Aleppo and Beirut. These cities, which became sanctuaries for Armenians following the genocide, are now themselves under siege. The Christian presence in the region is rapidly reducing, and with it, ancient traditions that have shaped the Church and the world.
As Christians, we have a moral duty to act. These communities’ resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to their faith, and we must stand in solidarity with them—through prayer, advocacy, and tangible support.
Tonight, as we reflect on the theme of ecumenism, let us remember that our unity is not a luxury but a necessity. Whether in Armenia, Artsakh, Syria, or elsewhere, the challenges we face demand a collective response rooted in love, faith, and solidarity.
St Paul’s words to the Corinthians resonate deeply: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26) As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to bear one another’s burdens, share in one another’s joys, and work together for a world marked by peace and justice.
Cardinal Fitzgerald, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering commitment to Christians and the Church in the Middle East. My gratitude also goes to all those who support the suffering Church in the region and globally.
As we reflect on the life of St Nicholas, may his example inspire us to deepen our bonds of love, strive for justice, and support one another in faith. Together, let us carry forward the spirit of ecumenism, building bridges that honour our shared heritage and proclaim the Gospel to the world.
May God bless you all and guide us as we walk together as one body in Christ
