Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem on the Brink of Collapse

The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem is currently facing one of the most severe crises in its history. A lawsuit filed by the Jerusalem Municipality seeks payment of 37 million NIS in alleged municipal tax arrears (“Arnona”). Further legal actions are expected, and the potential consequences place the very future of the Armenian presence in Jerusalem at risk.

This unprecedented financial and legal pressure threatens not only the Patriarchate but also the entire Armenian community. The seizure of assets—including schools, churches, kindergartens, and even private homes—has become a realistic possibility. The collapse of the Patriarchate would mean the closure of vital community institutions and the displacement of hundreds of families who depend on them.

The Armenian Patriarchate has consistently sought to resolve these issues through dialogue. Numerous appeals, official letters, and meetings with the Government of Israel and relevant authorities have been undertaken. Despite these efforts, no resolution has been achieved, and the threat of bankruptcy now looms.

This situation bears striking resemblance to the collapse of the Greek Patriarchate in Jerusalem a few years ago, when unchecked debt led to asset seizures and lasting damage to the community. The Armenian community now faces the same critical juncture. Unless immediate action is taken, the consequences could be devastating.

The Patriarchate calls upon the international community, including governments, churches, and human rights organizations, to recognize the seriousness of this crisis. We urge all stakeholders to support efforts to safeguard the Armenian Patriarchate, preserve its historic presence in Jerusalem, and ensure that the Armenian people—who have maintained an unbroken presence in the Holy City for over 1,600 years—are not deprived of their heritage, homes, and institutions.

This is not only a financial matter. It is a struggle for the survival of a community, the preservation of a spiritual and cultural heritage, and the protection of the Armenian identity in Jerusalem.

The time to act is now.