The Weaker the Church, the Stronger the State, and I Am Glad About That: MP from the Civil Contract Party

The Church and organizations, regardless of their historical legacy, must be separate from the state and focus on their spiritual matters. This was stated by Arsen Torosyanc, a member of the National Assembly from the Civil Contract Party, during a broadcast on "Azatutyun".

"All functions of state governance should be carried out by state structures and agencies, but since the 2000s, we have seen clergy participating in various state events. For example, summer conscription has begun, during which various events are held, where we again see clergy, and I do not understand what a clergy member is doing at that state ceremony. When the new constitutional draft is available, we should also address it to provide contemporary solutions that leave no room for misinterpretation," he remarked.

Speaking about the movement that began under the leadership of Bishop Bagrat, Torosyanc stated, "Not just one cleric has come out with the aim of seizing power, but many other clerics as well. He has publicly stated multiple times that this movement has the blessing of the Catholicos, and we have not heard any denial. Therefore, this movement is being led by the Catholicos, the spiritual council, and the Church in general, which is dangerous for Armenian statehood. We need to show our people examples of how, throughout various historical periods, clergy have ruined Armenian statehood due to their intention of elevating and absolutizing power. The actions have received their assessment through the wisdom of our people."

Arsen Torosyanc believes that these actions have discredited the Armenian Apostolic Church. "The result of all this is that the already discredited Armenian Apostolic Church has become even more discredited, which personally makes me happy. Because the weaker the church is, the stronger the state is, and this is true in all countries," said Torosyanc.