Deacons Refuse to Participate in Wedding Ceremony with Priest Aram Asatryan

Priest Aram Asatryan, whose statements led to the arrest of 13 clergy members from the Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church today, was forced to conduct a wedding ceremony alone in Hovhannavank. According to media reports, the deacons declined to participate in the ceremony alongside him.

Earlier, he stated in an interview that if there have been pressures regarding freedom, expression, and rights, then his statement should be investigated. It is worth noting that Priest Aram said on Public Television that he participated in opposition gatherings under the instruction of his superior, Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, who is the nephew of Karekin II.

Following this statement, the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has initiated a criminal case regarding the obstruction or coercion of conducting or participating in a gathering.