1-2 Minutes Were Given: This Was Not the Format to Discuss the Subject of the Armenian Church History. Father Zakaria

In recent days, a draft of the State Educational Standards for General Education put forward by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports has sparked extensive discussions. According to the proposed changes, the subject of Armenian Church History will not be taught as a separate subject. It is planned that in grades 5-6, the history, culture, and religion of Armenia and the Armenian people, geography, and public life will be presented through an integrated subject called Patriotism, while in grades 7-12, these will be taught as separate subjects.

On this topic, NEWS.am had an interview with the director of the Christian Education Center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Father Zakaria Baghumyan.

Father Zakaria, what concerns and remarks do you have regarding this change? Do you see any dangers?

As the subject standards have not been published yet, we do not wish to jump ahead and express an opinion. Once they are published, it will be clear how the subjects related to patriotism will be taught. At that time, we will definitely express our opinion.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, mentioned in an interview with Armenian Time that prior to putting the draft into public discussion, a closed working discussion took place with you, and no written proposals were received from you. What discussion are you referring to, and what conclusions did you arrive at during that meeting?

On June 11, 2020, there was an online discussion of the standards, which included education experts and representatives of NGOs. At that time, the Deputy Minister, Mrs. Zhanna Andreasyan, presented the general philosophy of the new State Standards for General Education for the first time, and each participant was given 1-2 minutes for general observations. Naturally, this was not the format where the subject of Armenian Church History should have been discussed. Since both parties had agreed to discuss educational issues during a working group formed on January 29, 2019, concerning the relations of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Republic of Armenia.

Is it possible to have another meeting on this issue with representatives of the ministry or perhaps the National Assembly?

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is always ready to discuss any issues concerning our nation, church, and society in the interest and benefit of our country. In this regard, the Mother See had previously initiated discussions on improving the subject and expressed its willingness to do so a year ago.