Government Seeks 'Opportune' Moments to Discredit Mother See: Tatoyan

The Armenian Apostolic Church holds the status of a national church and is constitutionally enshrined. The government is seeking 'opportune' moments to discredit the Mother See.

This was stated by former Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan on his Facebook page.

“Since yesterday, for political gain, the government has intensified the unprecedented campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Church and His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians. It is evident that this is conducted under the direction and coordination of the highest echelons of political power. Using yesterday's events as a pretext, attempts are being made to attribute responsibility to Catholicos Karekin II and other clergy members with fabrications and insults, aimed broadly at the Mother See,” he wrote.

The Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin has repeatedly refuted, including in today's statements, the claims propagated by the authorities, which have no connection to reality. The fact that the government is looking for 'opportune' moments to discredit the Mother See is evidenced by incidents such as the obstruction of the Catholicos's entry in Sardarapat, violence against clergymen, intolerant rhetoric directed at religious leaders, threats of persecution, and other occurrences.

This reprehensible behavior divides our society, the Diaspora, incites internal strife, and undermines statehood, which is inappropriate for any government. The Armenian Apostolic Church has had a significant role in our history, identity, statehood, and the assurance of solidarity,” Tatoyan concluded.