Bishop Ashotik Aristakesyan of Armavir Diocese Detained During Kocharian's Presidency, Rubinyan Says

In 1998, during the early months of Robert Kocharian's presidency, Bishop Ashotik Aristakesyan of the Armavir Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church was arrested and detained in connection with a case involving the embezzlement of around one million dollars. This was reported by Ruben Rubinyan, the Vice President of the National Assembly, on his Facebook page.

“What do you think? How did Ktrich Nersisyan react at that time, who was then known as Archbishop Garegin Nersisyan? He must have blamed Kocharian for launching a campaign against the Church, accusations of anti-Christianity, fabricated charges, and other various unpatriotic sins, right? Not at all. Instead, Nersisyan responded this way: ‘The issue related to His Holiness Ashotik caused great pain and concern both to the clergy of the Church and to his people. Naturally, the Holy Etchmiadzin is concerned and has engaged with the relevant authorities. We have certain information, although it is not final or comprehensive. One cannot fully possess the truth while the problem is still in the judicial process. In this regard, there can be no definitive stance until after the trial. The issue has been reported to the Catholicos. He has appointed a special body composed of clergy and lay members of the Supreme Body, which will follow up on the matter and, if possible, try to secure the release of His Holiness Ashotik from detention with a guarantee before the trial. After the trial, if it is found that His Holiness Ashotik is innocent, the relevant state bodies will undertake to restore his reputation. If he is found guilty, then, according to ecclesiastical rules, based on the degree of guilt, the Mother See will clarify its position—from punishment to removal from ecclesiastical office.’

What humility, correctness, and faith in the Kocharian law enforcement bodies! In 1999, Nersisyan, not belonging to any political party, was elected Catholicos. In 2001, His Holiness Ashotik was acquitted by court ruling. In 2008, His Holiness Ashotik was defrocked based on his own appeal. In 2020, Ktrich Nersisyan called for the release of Robert Kocharian, who was in detention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the pandemic threatened, of course, only Kocharian among all prisoners in Armenia. The ‘non-detaining’ Kocharian. The national Kocharian. The holy Kocharian,” wrote Rubinyan.