Scandal in the Istanbul Armenian Community: The Patriarchate Removes a Community Member

The Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul has expelled one of the representatives of the Armenian community. This has been reported by ErmeniHaber.

This decision by the Patriarchate has caused a stir within the community, as such an action had not been taken regarding its members for more than a century.

The reason for the decision to suspend the membership of the Istanbul Armenian jeweler Levon Gagachyan from the Armenian Apostolic Church was his posts on social media targeting the Patriarchate and its leading clergy.

The statement from the Patriarchate notes that Gagachyan was given one week to cease his posts regarding the Patriarch and other church officials, delete existing ones, and repent. This period was later extended due to the upcoming Christmas; however, Gagachyan continued his actions in the same manner.

“We inform the public that starting from January 14, his ties with the Armenian Church have been severed,” the Patriarchate's statement reads.

Gagachyan has given an interview to the leading Turkish pro-government daily “Hürriyet” regarding this matter. He asserted that the Patriarchate's decision was a surprise for him since prior to this, the Patriarch had invited him for a conversation, and they had reached an understanding.

According to Gagachyan, they had agreed that he would delete his posts and would address future issues directly to the Patriarch.

“I was very surprised reading the expulsion decision. The Patriarchate of Turkey does not have the right to do this. My issue is not with the church itself; it is with the individuals. I will be suing all those who signed the decision sent to me,” Gagachyan stated.