Details Revealed by Aragatsotn Diocese on Actions Against Priests

On the dawn of October 15, representatives of law enforcement conducted searches in the Aragatsotn diocese's headquarters, as well as in the residences of the diocesan leader, His Grace Bishop Mkrtich Prshyan, and other priests and staff following false information published by the pastor of Hovhanavank, Fr. Aram Asatryan, and a report by Daniel Ioannissian, the president of the NGO "Informed Citizens Union." This was announced by the Aragatsotn Diocese.

According to currently available information, the diocesan leader of Aragatsotn and 12 priests have been taken into custody, including Rev. T. Paren Akhanyan, Rev. T. Hayk Kocharyan, Rev. T. Mkrtich Yeranyan, Rev. T. Manuk Zeynalyan, Rev. T. Ghahond Gapoian, Rev. T. Hayk Sahakyan, Rev. T. Sargis Sargsyan, Rev. T. Garegin Arsenyan, Rev. T. Narek Sargsyan, Rev. T. Oshkin Hayrapetyan, Fr. Vrtanes Baghalyan, and Rev. T. Hambardzum Danielyan, as well as the accountant, treasury officer, and manager of the diocese.

In gross violation of the law, the location where the diocesan leader and several priests were being held was concealed for hours, depriving them of any opportunity to receive legal assistance. The actions against the diocesan leader, priests, and staff demonstrate a systematic anti-church campaign incited by the authorities.

Such condemnable actions clearly pursue malicious intent to disrupt the normal functioning of the Church, undermine its reputation, and spread an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among clergy, believers, and the broader society.

These illegal actions have obstructed the operations and ritual life of the diocese and have disrupted the service of spiritual leaders. Such repressive measures, characteristic of totalitarian regimes, severely violate the right to religious freedom, offend the religious feelings of believers, and continue to spread hatred, deepening societal division.

We call upon our clergy and the faithful not to fall for provocations and to remain steadfast in defending the Church. Spiritual servants and the faithful cannot be intimidated by deceit, threats, and repression. We pray for the peace of our homeland and the safe life of our people.