I Am Not the Only One to Express a Negative Opinion: Catholicos of Kotayk Diocese

In an interview with "Hraparak," Father Arakel Archimandrite Karamiann, the head of the Kotayk Diocese, responded to questions surrounding the activities of Bishop Bagrat.

“God help us, blessed father. How do you feel about Bishop Bagrat's activities? Why are you silent when almost all other diocesan leaders unconditionally support the bishop's fight for the homeland? The public is waiting for you to express your opinion publicly.”

“I have expressed my opinion at the Mother See,” the archimandrite replied.

“It is said that your opinion was negative during the spiritual assembly.”

“It’s not a matter of negativity. My view is that any clergyman should be guided by the commandments of the Holy Scripture. I have nothing more to say.”

“Your spiritual brothers accuse you of expressing a negative opinion about this movement.”

“I am not the only one to express a negative opinion. I said that this is not the issue at hand. I have always been and will continue to be an ally of the church if it is in the interest of my country and state, and if I am guided by the Gospel.”

“Who else, besides you, has opposed this movement?”

“That is not my business. It’s not that they opposed, but there was a question of the church's authority. The question arose as to whether the approach we are taking may damage the church's standing. There were people who said that yes, it could lower the church's authority.”

“Are there circumstances that constrain you to hold such an approach?”

“There are no constraining circumstances for me. I have served the church during all administrations, and I remain a servant of the church. The church's authority is above everything for me.”

“For centuries, the church has been the pillar of the state.”

“Are you telling me this now? Go to the social page of the Kotayk Diocese and see what the mission of a clergyman is — to stand beside the needy and those in need. I do this with the utmost effort. It is my duty to convey God's word to my diocese, flock, and believers.”

“Bishop Bagrat also helps his flock.”

“Fine, I have already said.”

“Do you think about the state, Your Holiness? How do you assess the current situation of the country?”

“The state has faced coronavirus, war, and tragedy. I do not want our national tragedy, that pain, to turn into something from which beneficiaries will emerge. That’s all.”

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