Controversies in Church History Persecution, Schism and Genocide: the Trials of Armenian Catholics, c. 1700-1928 (Latinization X)
Jan 31, 2025
Discover the tumultuous journey of the Armenian Catholic Church within the Ottoman Empire, marked by persecution and suspicion from Rome. Explore the schism of the 1870s and the dire impact of nationalist movements. Delve into the internal conflicts sparked by conversions to Catholicism and the strains on traditional authority. The discussion takes a poignant turn as it reflects on the tragic events of the Armenian Genocide, linking historical struggles to the ongoing challenges faced by Christians in Syria today.
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Martyrdom of Gomidas Camurgiam
- Gomidas Camurgiam, an Armenian Catholic priest, was sentenced to death for refusing to recant his faith.
- He and eight others were arrested, but only he refused to recant, stating, "I will not exchange my gold for your copper."
Mekitar and the Mekhitarists
- Mekitar founded a Western-style Benedictine order in 1701 to preserve Armenian heritage.
- Fleeing persecution, they settled in San Lazzaro, Venice, in 1715 and are known for producing Mekatarine liqueur.
Establishment of the Armenian Catholic Church
- The Armenian Catholic Church officially began in 1742 when Pope Benedict XIV recognized Abraham Arzivion as patriarch.
- This followed years of Armenian Catholics lacking their own churches and facing persecution.