Cleric Criticizing Authorities Faces Disciplinary Action: 'Hraparak' Reports

The newspaper 'Hraparak' reports that the Mother See will discuss today the issue of defrocking Father Ghazar Petrosyan. The request to defrock him has been submitted to the Holy See of Echmiadzin by Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, the leader of the Mashtots Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The basis for the request is a political post related to the forthcoming elections in Artashat, which was shared on the Facebook page 'Let Us Repent by Building'. Father Ghazar is one of the page's administrators; however, those close to him indicated that he is not the only admin. The content is a promotional video from a member of the Christian Armenia party, one of the forces participating in the elections.

The foundation of the request claims that the cleric has no right to interfere in politics. However, according to some reports, it seems Bishop Gevorg himself is involved in political issues, raising questions about why the Mother See is seeking to defrock Father Ghazar over a single post without requesting any clarification from him.

Father Ghazar has recently been known for his active civic stance and has occasionally fought against decisions and actions of the current authorities that go against national and spiritual values. It’s worth noting that in 2019 he was even suspended for actively participating in protests organized against the speech of transgender Lilit Martirosyan in the National Assembly. He subsequently addressed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan via a video message, saying, 'Don’t dare to use force against my bishops, you will be crushed from there, did you hear that, Nikol?'