We Expect Good News About Dadivank, Says Artsakh Diocese Leader

It is still unclear when Dadivank will accept Armenian pilgrims, but the leader of the Artsakh Diocese, Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, is expecting good news. He made this statement in an interview with a Sputnik Armenia correspondent.

He noted that to date, no one is solving the issue of Dadivank; they are only raising the question. “The Russian peacekeepers are, of course, doing everything possible for pilgrims to be able to go to Dadivank,” added Bishop Vrtanes.

He informed that he recently met with the commander of the Russian military group stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh, Lieutenant General Genadi Anashkin. They went to Dadivank together and prayed together. “He is a very devout person. I really like such people who are not only military but also believers. Anashkin informed me that an official meeting is expected, which he will also attend. The issue of Dadivank will be raised, and they will attempt to find a solution to it,” he said.

Bishop Vrtanes also reported that 6 Armenian clergymen continue to remain isolated in Dadivank, where several dozen Russian peacekeepers are present as well. “The isolated clergymen in Dadivank sent me new photos. So we are expecting good news,” said the bishop.

It should be noted that since late April, the Azerbaijani side has closed Dadivank to Armenians, allowing only a limited number of Armenian pilgrims to visit the monastery on Sundays to pray and participate in services.

Previously, Bishop Vrtanes had mentioned that the Azerbaijanis closed the monastery to Armenians initially claiming it was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and later they stated that the Tartar River had flooded, making the road impassable. He mentions that now they have come up with a completely new reason, saying they also have a shrine in Artsakh that they need to enter and exit.