What has been possible to remove from the monastic complexes of Artsakh

Aravot.am inquired from the leader of the Artsakh Diocese, His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abgarhamiya, about what has been possible to take out of the monastic complexes in Artsakh. “Whatever they could, the clergy managed to take out with buses or their small vehicles, especially bringing the chalices of the Holy Altars. More could not be taken because it was impossible, particularly due to the issues related to moving their own families. I only urged them to at least bring the chalices, the relics, the Cross, and the Gospels, which are relatively small in size. Other items could not be transported,” the Bishop stated.

When asked about whether they appealed to the Russian peacekeepers or the Armenian government regarding this matter, he replied, “There was a possibility for the relevant authorities to remove these items, there was transport available, but there was no driver to operate the vehicle. However, due to the chaos, it was not possible to organize all of this. I only contacted the Russian peacekeepers and gave them the corresponding list, asking them to take these monasteries and churches under their control during their stay there. They responded that they had contacted the Azerbaijani Minister of Internal Affairs, who informed them that they promised to ensure the security of these monasteries and churches.”