The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin disseminated a statement on the October 1 namaz prayed in Ani, saying that namaz in the Cathedral of Ani has nothing in common with moral and spiritual principles and freedom of religion; it is a merely political act.

“Besides, it is another attempt to take from Armenians the Cathedral, where a liturgy has not been conducted after the Armenian Genocide. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin condemns similar actions, which create intolerance and hatred towards Armenians. Besides, the usage of a Christian church for praying namaz is unacceptable, when Christians are prohibited to conduct liturgies in their churches. Thus, the Turkish government continues its steps on destruction of Armenian historical monuments. It is evident that through it Turkey neutralizes Armenia’s and world community’s efforts on establishment of dialogue and Armenian-Turkish normalization,” reads the statement, according to the press service of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.