Ktrich Nersisyan and Some of His Associates Have Given False Promises to God for Church Office: Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed his views on recent events related to Ktrich Nersisyan, highlighting the expectations placed on church officials.

He is convinced that many are aware of the incident during a recent American concert by the rock band Coldplay, which revealed an extramarital affair involving the CEO of the American technology company Astronomer and one of its employees. In a post on his Facebook page, Pashinyan stated, "Following this revelation, the Astronomer company issued a statement saying, 'Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our company’s inception. Our leaders must adhere to these standards regarding behavior and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated an official investigation regarding the incident, and we will provide further information soon.'"

He also mentioned that the CEO's activities have been suspended due to the infidelity involved, and a temporary director has been appointed. "Astronomer" is indeed a valuable and reputable IT company, but is 'just' an IT company compared to the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. The IT firm seemingly cannot tolerate behavior that is incompatible with its stated values.

Pashinyan then turned his attention to the reaction from Ktrich Nersisyan’s circle regarding the infamous facts of betrayal and breaking vows—betrayal of the vow they took by signing a celibacy engagement. They are incapable of even being value-oriented compared to the IT company mentioned.

For those compatriots who have uncertainties regarding the situation around Ktrich Nersisyan, it should be emphasized that according to the doctrine of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a celibate priest is wed to the church and has no right to a personal life. Moreover, no one forced him to take the vow of celibacy; he does this voluntarily as a service to God and the Church. By signing the celibacy engagement before the altar of the Mother See while kneeling, he vows to be faithful in this service, and it is through this vow that he earns the right to hold high spiritual positions and titles.

The Armenian Apostolic Holy Church also has married priests, who have wives, children, and families. They have chosen that path by their own decision, and this is a legitimate, respectable, and honorable behavior. However, married priests cannot be bishops or catholicos.

It seems that Ktrich Nersisyan and some of his associates have given false promises to God and the Church for ecclesiastical office, breaking and continuing to break this promise, violating and disgracing the vow of celibacy and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.

Tolerating Ktrich Nersisyan and his group means giving some reason to believe that the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church lacks even the moral standards and values of an IT company. It gives some a reason to think that the Armenian society lacks morality and values. We cannot allow such a thing. Ktrich and his group must be removed. The Holy See must remain sacred!” wrote the Prime Minister.