Alen Simonian Makes New Statement on Relations Between Armenia and the Armenian Church

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Alen Simonian, continues his series of posts about the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. This time, he has presented "Part 2".

According to Article 11 of the Law on the Relations Between the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church has the right to organize public fundraising and to receive donations and gifts that are exempt from taxation.

Continuing with Article 64, which pertains to transactions and operations exempt from value-added tax:

1. Import of goods, supply of goods, provision of works, and services performed by foreign states, intergovernmental organizations, international, foreign, and public charitable, religious organizations, as well as individual benefactors within the framework of humanitarian assistance and charitable programs.
2. The provision of supplies, works, and services that are significantly relevant to the implementation of these programs is also included.

If the differentiation of the program (activity) is not directly specified by Armenian legislation (including international agreements), the competent authority of the Government determines the scope of goods, works, and services exempt from VAT based on their humanitarian and charitable nature.

The importation of personal use goods by diplomats serving in the Armenian diplomatic service abroad and citizens assigned for spiritual service by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in other countries upon completion of their service is also regulated by the Law on Customs Regulation.

Simonian wrote this in a post on Telegram. He also made another post about the church in the morning.