Easily Deny, But I Won't: Argishti Kyaramyan on Rumors of Being the Son of Kotayk Diocese Leader

The Acting Head of the State Control Service, Argishti Kyaramyan, in an interview with Tert.am, neither confirmed nor denied the information regarding being the son of the Kotayk Diocese leader and the godson of former Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan.

When asked about the issue, he specifically stated, "I believe this should be viewed from the perspective of privacy in personal life. Every individual, including public officials, has natural rights, which are granted to a person from birth. I greatly desire society to understand the existence of natural rights; I find it completely inappropriate to intrude into a person's private or family life and ask questions in that context. Naturally, I can easily deny these rumors, but I won’t."

He continued, “I fundamentally do not answer any questions related to my personal life. Thank you.”

- So, it appears you are neither denying nor confirming that he is your father.

- I simply stated that I fundamentally do not answer any questions.

- Excuse me, although you mention it’s a personal domain, you are a public figure. There were also discussions in the press that Vladimir Gasparyan is your godfather.

- I've been talking to you for more than a few minutes; excuse me, I have matters to attend to. What I said also relates to questions regarding Vladimir Gasparyan.

- I don’t think this is a topic that can be prolonged. I have worked throughout my life for the benefit of the state, and if journalists really want to clarify the results of my work, it is quite easy to do so. It is known where I have worked; you can call and inquire how I worked, and that is much more important than some secondary matters.

It should be noted that rumors recently circulated claiming that Argishti Kyaramyan, who is temporarily carrying out the powers of the head of the State Control Service, is the godson of former Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan, as well as the son of the Kotayk Diocese leader, Bishop Arakel. Kyaramyan had denied both pieces of information the day before; however, it became known that the passport name and surname of the high-ranking clergyman is Elbek Kyaramyan. Argishti’s paternal name is also Elbek.

The issue is that in the Republic, only the leader of the Kotayk Diocese and the Acting Head of the State Control Service are registered under such names. It should be noted that according to church regulations, bishops, catholicoses, monastic priests, and spiritual leaders remain celibate, meaning they do not marry.