Goshavank is Deteriorating, the Issue is Not the Lamps, Says Tavush Diocese Leader

Today, photographs circulated on the internet showing new lamps installed right above the inscription in the Goshavank gavit. In an interview with Armdaily.am, Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, the leader of the Tavush Diocese, noted that the lamps, which should have already been removed, are not new and have been there for two years.

“Yes, it's very ugly, and according to our instructions, they should have been removed, but for some reason, they haven’t been taken down, and now they will be. Those who are spreading these photos today, do they not see that the entire Goshavank is buried in problems? Is the only remaining issue the lamps? The roof of Goshavank has been under renovation for 7-8 years, and it is still not completed. The rainwater is accumulating, completely destroying the temple—both the gavit and the church are being compromised from top to bottom. Who is talking about this? The Ministry of Culture is indifferent; they haven’t done any work for about a year. They brought some cover to the roof, while rainwater is pouring inside. There's a gigantic pit next to it where water accumulates and goes towards the foundations of the temple. This is what needs to be discussed. The issue with Goshavank is not the lamps. People who see the lamps do not see that a lamp is placed in Goshavank, there is an altar, a massive beautiful curtain, and a baptismal font that has been neglected for years. Goshavank is deteriorating. This is the main issue,” he said.