Faith Facts

• Criminal charges filed against Catholicos Karekin II, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
• Government bans him from leaving Armenia, blocking his attendance at an overseas church assembly.
• Rights advocates raise alarms over state interference in church autonomy and religious liberty.

Armenian prosecutors have opened a criminal case against His Holiness Karekin II, leading the Armenian Apostolic Church during intensifying friction with authorities. He is now barred from traveling abroad, preventing his participation in a church assembly in Austria.

Religious freedom groups warn these moves undermine the independence of one of the world’s oldest Christian communities.

“This prohibition results from a grave violation of the Constitution and of the ECHR, in particular the State’s obligation not to interfere with the autonomy of religious organizations,” the Armenian Center for Political Rights stated.

Critics draw attention to a pattern of targeting church leaders, including previous prosecutions of bishops and archbishops, for maintaining biblical conviction and church authority.

With important elections approaching, Christian leaders call out what they see as government attempts to suppress religious expression and influence, which threatens the spiritual fabric of Armenia—long celebrated as the world’s first Christian nation.

Faithful believers are called to pray for true liberty to worship and for steadfast Christians standing firm in truth and principle.

Read the full report at The Christian Post

Faith Facts

• Lent is an ancient Christian tradition initiated by the early Church, not directly prescribed in Scripture.
• This season offers believers a time to pause, reflect, and align their lives with God’s promises.
• Embracing Lent can lead to spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of Christ’s sacrifice.

Many misunderstand Lent, believing it to be dreary or legalistic, yet it can powerfully refocus our hearts on God’s hope for the future. When Christians set aside distractions, they find clarity and renewal rooted in faith rather than empty ritual.

Scripture does not mention Lent directly, but the tradition traces to the early Church’s desire for intentional preparation before Easter. The Nicene Council recognized Lent as a season to help believers reorient their lives toward Christ.

“Reflecting on Jesus’ resurrection gives us perspective.”

This season is not only for the overly religious; throughout history, cultures have realized the value in stepping back from abundance to enrich relationships and self-knowledge. Christians use Lent to reset priorities, focusing fully on God’s purpose and the example of Christ.

Lent is often seen as a practice for those with free time, but even in ancient times, Christians dedicated themselves to prayer amid challenges. Today, in a world overwhelmed by busyness, setting aside time for prayer and reflection becomes even more essential.

Some feel Lent is a tough ordeal, linking it to Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, but the goal is spiritual decluttering rather than hardship. Believers are invited to examine habits, learn restraint, and make space for God’s presence in daily life.

“Lent has fallen victim to profound misunderstanding by those both inside and outside of the Church.”

Though this season lasts just 40 days, its lessons can shape a life rooted in Christ’s hope, compassion, and justice. By contemplating Christ’s death and resurrection, believers are reminded that God’s love prevails over all injustice and sorrow.

Lent should be welcomed as a gift—time to slow down, reflect deeply, and realign life with what truly matters in God’s eyes. Those who embrace this season discover a journey toward renewal and lasting transformation.

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Faith Facts

• ACIERA calls for juvenile justice reform to include prevention, reintegration, and comprehensive support alongside updated regulations.
• The organization insists that punishment alone is not a solution and highlights the importance of coordination among the state, families, and civil society.
• ACIERA urges resources for specialized institutions, family support, and a spiritual approach to adolescent recovery.

The Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of the Argentine Republic is advocating for juvenile criminal law reform that combines modern legislation with strong support systems rooted in faith and family values. Their approach stresses that discipline must be paired with social and pastoral care to restore young lives and strengthen communities.

“Criminal penalties by themselves will not solve the problem unless accompanied by social, educational, and family policies designed for reintegration.”

They emphasize the need for specialized care, support programs, and infrastructure to offer adolescents in legal trouble a path to redemption instead of punishment alone.

Churches, schools, and families must work together to foster prevention and recovery grounded in Christian principles, championing hope over despair for the nation’s youth.

Read the full story at Christian Daily International.

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