Clarification from the Mother See on Why Samvel Karapetyan's Photo is Displayed in the See

In the Armenian Apostolic Church, it is customary to display the photos of benefactors who have supported the church. This was stated by Father Ruben Zargaryan, the director of the Ecclesiastical Advisory Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, during a conversation with reporters prior to a march organized in support of benefactor Samvel Karapetyan.

“The bell tower of the Mother Cathedral, which is an exquisite architectural structure in its own style—unlike the main cathedral, which has a simple structure—was built in the 17th century. The portrait of benefactor Anton Chelepi Saroyan is on its facade. No one says whose portrait it is because that benefactor is no longer alive and poses no competition to us. In the Mother See, there is the Ruben Sevak Museum, at the entrance of which are portraits of the spouses of the family that donated the entire collection. However, there has never been any exploitation,” said Father Ruben Zargaryan.

The priest emphasized that the Armenian state has not contributed a single dram to the reconstruction of the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin. Businessman Samvel Karapetyan has reconstructed the Catholicosal residence of Etchmiadzin, also building a new event hall and chapel.

“Now, Samvel Karapetyan's picture is hanging in the building that he himself has sponsored. Moreover, it’s not in the cathedral but in the building of the See, which does not even have much connection with the See; it is merely an extension and is also a museum section,” clarified Father Ruben.