Bagrad Archbishop Discusses News Regarding the Canadian Diocese

I have been the leader of the Canadian Diocese for 10 years. Any issue related to church resources, finances, and expenditures goes through the following channels: diocesan council, parliamentary assembly, and membership monitoring.

This was stated by Archbishop Bagrad in a conversation with reporters, addressing rumors about taking money in the Canadian diocese and not building a church. “The only way that this could happen is if a person were to engage in some kind of dealings, take the so-called 'black money,' and destroy it. If such a thing has happened, then all four of these organizations would also be bandits. Is it possible for something like this? It is not possible.

What has happened in Canada is a very delicate matter, and if I start raising questions, it could unnecessarily cause agitation in the community. The leader of the Canadian diocese wrote me a letter stating that if reporters ask questions, they should be told to contact him for an explanation.

Just one year ago, I was in Canada at the AGBU hall, where over 500 people were present. Many community members invite me to their weddings and baptismal events. If these rumors were true, would they invite me to their occasions?

I have built a $13 million building with 78 apartments for Armenian seniors in Canada; go and check it out. I do not want to comment on every word that falls from people’s mouths, especially after I have accomplished such significant things and cannot walk around peacefully,” said the Archbishop.